Fitzgerald takes command of 249th Airlift Squadron Published Aug. 24, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Theulen 176th Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Lt. Col. Charles D. Fitzgerald assumed command of the Alaska Air National Guard's 249th Airlift Squadron from Lt. Col. Scott R. Fell at a change-of-command ceremony here Aug. 24, 2014. Fitzgerald served as the unit's chief pilot and director of operations for five years. His first military assignment was with the Air Force at Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1992. He describes his military relationship with Alaska as "coming full circle," when sharing the story of his return to Alaska and his commitment to the Alaska Air National Guard in 1999. "I am humbled and honored to represent you as your commander. Just this week, I was looking over our roster name by name, and it was impressed upon me again, the quality of people we have assembled in one squadron," Fitzgerald said. "I am clearly a leader among a squadron full of leaders."