Justin Cecchini of Medina promoted to commander of 136th Attack Squadron at NF Air Reserve Station

Posted 6 February 2024 at 4:35 pm

Provided photo and press release

NIAGARA FALLS – Lt. Col. Justin Cecchini of Medina on Jan. 20 was promoted to commander of the 136th Attack Squadron.

Cecchini serves as the Director of Operation for the 136th Attack Squadron (Air National Guard) at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. In this role Cecchini plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective planning, coordination, and execution of all training and combat flying operations.

He is responsible for overseeing the operational readiness and leading 97 personnel while providing strategic guidance to the 136th Squadron and 107th Operations Group Commanders that ensures the alignment of operational activities with the Combatant Commanders’ objectives.

Cecchini collaborates closely with other service branches, allied forces, and interagency partners to synchronize operational efforts and enhance joint operations. Cecchini has been instrumental in planning,  coordinating, and executing all training and combat operations, contributing significantly to the squadron’s success in its persistent MQ-9 Operational Mission. He also maintains qualification as an MQ-9 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot, where he performs evaluations and instruction support to several squadron functions.

Lt. Col. Cecchini began his military career in March 2001, enlisting with the 107th Air Refueling Wing as a KC-135 Aircraft Mechanic Journeyman, and his dedication and skill were evident. A 2003 graduate of SUNY College at Brockport, he was commissioned in 2008 through the Air National Guard’s Academy of Military Science commissioning program.

After commissioning and as a C-130 Navigator with the 107th Operation Group, he led the operations Support Squadron flying training section from 2009 to 2014. He later became the Assistant Chief of Tactics, directly responsible for establishing weapons tactics, techniques and procedures and technical instruction on the employment of MQ-9 aircraft weapons.

His career progressed through significant roles within the 107th Operations Group, holding key positions such as Flight Training Officer, Assistant Chief of Tactics, and, more recently, Assistant Director of  Operations.

Cecchini and his wife Julie have two sons and a daughter. Joe is a 2022 Medina graduate and Jack is a senior and graduates in June with the Class of 2024. Jenna is a seventh-grader.