New commander for NM flying tacos

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The New Mexico "Tacos" have a new top gun after a change-of-command ceremony Sunday afternoon at Kirtland Air Force base in Albuquerque.

The new commander of the 150th Fighter Wing is Col. Frederik G. Hartwig.

Hartwig transitioned to the Air National Guard in 1999 as a traditional Guardsmen in the District of Columbia.

Hartwick accepted a full-time position with the New Mexico Air National Guard in December 2000. He replaces the outgoing commander, Col. Francis Carrillo.

The "Tacos" fly and maintain F-16-C "Fighting Falcon" aircraft.

The wing's primary mission is air interdiction in support of the 12th Air Force Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The unit derives its nickname from a combat deployment during the Vietnam War when it adopted Taco as its radio call sign.