Lt. Col Timothy Novak is the Commander, 109th Mission Support Group, Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York. He leads 390 Airmen responsible for providing Logistics, Civil Engineering, Security Forces, Force Support, Communications, and Contracting support for the employment of the only ski-equipped aircraft in the Department of War providing tactical airlift in remote Polar Regions, and ensures Airmen are trained, equipped, and ready to deploy worldwide to support state and national objectives
Lt. Col Novak entered the Air National Guard in February 2004 through the Academy of Military Science after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. During his career, he served as the commander of the 139th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (Operation DEEP FREEZE), as Mission Commander for Operations RAVEN DEW and SAREX GREENLAND SEA, and deployed overseas in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Additionally, he has served as 109th Operations Support Squadron Operations Officer, Chief of Tactics, Chief of Antarctic Operations and as the 109th Operations Group Navigator Senior Flight Examiner (Standards and Evaluations). During his tenure as Chief of Tactics and Chief of Antarctic Operations (Operations Plans), he has collaborated with multinational and civilian partners to ensure safe and efficient operation of LC-130 aircraft supporting a range of missions, including joint/international exercises and Defense Support of Civilian Authority operations in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Prior to assuming his current position, Lt. Col Novak was the Deputy Commander, 109th Operations Group, Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York
EDUCATION
2002 Bachelors of Science, Electrical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y.
2004 Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson ANGB, Knoxville, Tenn.
2005 Joint Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training, Randolph AFB, Texas.
2005 C-130 Navigator Initial Qualification Course, Little Rock AFB, Little Rock, Ark.
2006 Combat Aircrew Tactics Studies/Mobility Combat Officers Course, Rosecrans ANGB. St. Joseph, Mo.
2007 Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Course, Rosecrans ANGB. St. Joseph, Mo.
2008 Terminal Instrument Procedure Design Course, Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Miss.
2012 C-130 Navigator Instructor Course, Little Rock AFB, Little Rock, Ark.
2012 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2017 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2021 Air National Guard Squadron Commander Course, Gulfport CRTC, Gulfport, Miss.
2022 Masters of Project Management, Colorado State University, Aurora, Colo.
2023 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence.
2023 ANG Commander’s Legal Orientation Course, JB Andrews, Md.
2023 Maintenance Course for Operational Commanders, Sheppard AFB, Texas.
EDUCATION, Cont.
2024 Safety and Accident Investigation Board President Course, Kirtland AFB, NM, by correspondence
2025 Arctic Regional Security Orientation Course, JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Ala., by correspondence
2025 Commander’s Leadership Course, JB Andrews, Md.
ASSIGNMENTS or CAREER CHRONOLOGY
- Aug 2003–May 2005, Student, 109th Student Flight, Stratton ANGB, Scotia N.Y.
- May 2005–December 2006, Student Navigator, 109th Student Flight, Stratton ANGB, Scotia N.Y.
- December 2006–December 2007, Mobility Navigator, 109th 139th Airlift Squadron, Stratton ANGB, Scotia N.Y.
- December 2007-December 2008, Tactics Officer, 139th Airlift Squadron, Stratton ANGB, Scotia N.Y.
- December 2008–October 2012, Instructor Navigator, 139th Airlift Squadron, Stratton ANGB, Scotia N.Y.
- October 2012–December 2020, Evaluator Navigator, 139th Airlift Squadron, Stratton ANGB, Scotia NY.
- December 2020–November 2023, Squadron Commander, 139th Airlift Squadron, Stratton ANGB, Scotia N.Y.
- November 2023–October 2025, Deputy Commander, 109th Operations Group, Stratton ANGB, Scotia N.Y.
- October 2025–Present, Commander, 109th Mission Support Group, Stratton ANGB, Scotia, N.Y.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Master Navigator
Flight Hours: 4,400
Aircraft Flown: T-43, T-1, C-130E, C-130H, LC-130H
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters
Antarctica Service Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant February 20, 2004
First Lieutenant February 20, 2006
Captain February 20, 2008
Major February 20, 2014
Lieutenant Colonel, 28 February 2021
(CURRENT AS OF October 2025)