The Nebraska National Guard recently marked a pivotal leadership transition as the 155th Medical Group welcomes incoming commander Col. Angela M. Ling. During a formal ceremony held on April 11, 2026, at the Nebraska National Guard air base in Lincoln, Col. Ling assumed command from Col. Brooke M. Sciuto, following her own promotion to the rank of colonel.
The transition, presided over by Col. Christopher L. Hesse, commander of the Nebraska National Guard 155th Air Refueling Wing, represents more than a routine change in personnel. It signals a continuity of high-level medical readiness and the integration of civilian health security expertise into military operational command.
Col. Ling enters the role with a background that blends active-duty experience with specialized Guard service. Since transferring to the Nebraska Air National Guard in 2019, she has served as the Detachment 1 commander, where she was responsible for directing critical medical readiness operations across the wing. Her appointment is a reflection of the leadership demonstrated during her tenure in these readiness roles.
For Col. Ling, the appointment is a culmination of a career that has provided her family with stability and a sense of purpose. “The Guard has provided me opportunities I could have never predicted,” Ling said. “It’s given my family stability, community, and a sense of purpose that spans generations, and I am honored today to assume command of the 155th Medical Group.”
A Legacy of Readiness and Global Partnerships
The outgoing commander, Col. Brooke M. Sciuto, leaves a legacy defined by operational agility and the expansion of the unit’s clinical capabilities. Leading the Medical Group since December 2022, Sciuto steered the unit through a period of high operational tempo, which included the complex logistics of COVID-19 response efforts and various high-stakes deployments.
One of the most significant achievements of Sciuto’s tenure was the establishment of a landmark training partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). This collaboration was designed to bridge the gap in specialized training, allowing Airmen to acquire critical, hard-to-obtain medical skills that are often difficult to secure within standard military training pipelines.
Beyond domestic training, Sciuto expanded the unit’s international footprint and specialized capabilities. Under her leadership, the 155th Medical Group:
- Integrated a Critical Care Air Transport (CCAT) element, enhancing the ability to move critically ill or injured patients via aircraft.
- Strengthened diplomatic and clinical ties through medical exercises conducted in Rwanda and Tanzania.
- Launched an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) mission, which allows medics to gain real-world clinical experience while providing essential healthcare to underserved communities.
Reflecting on her time in command, Sciuto emphasized the dedication of her personnel. “Leading the 155th Medical Group has truly been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Sciuto said. “Thank you to the Airmen for trusting me to lead you, for showing up and putting in the work, and for accomplishing the mission time and time again.”
Bridging Military Command and Global Health Security
The appointment of Col. Ling is particularly notable due to her dual role in the civilian sector. In addition to her military command, Ling works at the Global Center for Health Security at UNMC, where she contributes to disaster health response strategies. This intersection of roles creates a “synergy” that Col. Hesse believes will benefit the 155th Medical Group.
Col. Hesse noted that Ling’s relentless advocacy for her team and her mission-focused approach were primary drivers for her selection. By bringing civilian expertise in disaster response into the military framework, the 155th Medical Group is better positioned to handle large-scale health crises and complex medical evacuations.
This synergy is critical as the National Guard continues to evolve its role in both domestic emergency response and international stability operations. The ability to pivot from routine readiness to disaster response requires a commander who understands both the rigid structure of military command and the fluid requirements of public health emergencies.
Timeline of Leadership Transition
| Date/Period | Event/Milestone | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| December 2022 | Col. Sciuto assumes command | Initiation of high-tempo readiness and COVID response. |
| 2023–2025 | UNMC Partnership established | Expanded access to critical medical skills for Airmen. |
| April 11, 2026 | Change of Command Ceremony | Col. Ling promoted to Colonel and assumes command. |
Impact on Medical Readiness and Community Health
The transition of leadership comes at a time when medical readiness is being redefined by the need for “dual-use” capabilities—skills that serve both the warfighter and the civilian population. The Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) missions organized under Sciuto’s leadership serve as a blueprint for this approach, ensuring that medics remain proficient in clinical settings while filling gaps in the American healthcare system.
As Col. Ling takes the helm, the focus is expected to remain on maintaining these high standards of professionalism and expanding the unit’s capacity for critical care. The addition of the CCAT element ensures that the 155th is not merely a support unit but a specialized medical asset capable of sustaining life during long-haul aerial transports.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The 155th Medical Group will continue to operate under Col. Ling’s leadership, with a focus on sustaining the training partnerships with UNMC and executing upcoming readiness exercises. Official updates regarding future IRT missions and unit deployments will be released through the Nebraska National Guard’s public affairs office.
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