Blair A.
Baerny

Service

Pararescueman.
Six combat deployments.

Chief Baerny provides leadership and management of resources for all enlisted personnel in the 123rd Airlift Wing. He advises the Wing Commander on issues affecting the morale and well-being of personnel and their families, and on matters relating to manpower, equipment, and training during peacetime in preparation for the wing's wartime mission. He is accountable for working with federal and state authorities across operations, personnel, equipment, and funding.

He was born in Enumclaw, Washington, and graduated from Puyallup High School in Puyallup, Washington. He enlisted in the Air Force in August 2001 under the delayed enlistment program and began his active-duty career on 17 October 2001. After Basic Training he attended Explosive Ordnance Disposal School before starting his career as a Pararescueman.

He completed Pararescue training in February 2006 and was assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. In 2010 he was assigned to the 342nd Training Squadron, Detachment 1, at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, where he served as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the tactics phase of training, then the air operations phase, and eventually as Director of Training.

In April 2015 he joined the Kentucky Air National Guard with the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron in Louisville, serving as a Pararescueman, Team Leader, Flight Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Operations Superintendent, and Senior Enlisted Leader before assuming his current position in April 2025.

Chief Baerny has six combat deployments supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Enduring Freedom, and others.

Recognition

Awards, badges,
and achievements.

Major awards and decorations

Occupational badges

Other achievements