Col. Christopher Lutz is the Wing Commander of the 146th Airlift Wing at the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, California. He is responsible for leading the Wing's 1,084 Airmen, ensuring their effective administration, training, and employment. He aligns group-level goals with overarching national, regional, and state military strategies, guaranteeing the 146th Airlift Wing's readiness to support U.S. and allied forces during contingencies, disaster response, and humanitarian relief operations. As the senior Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) leader, Col. Lutz directs strategic planning for all large-scale aerial firefighting missions supporting Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) missions, playing a vital role in protecting communities and resources.

A white graphic text displaying the words People First in front of a photograph of two California Air National Guard military members shaking hands in front of a military C-130J aircraft.
A white graphic text displaying the words Mission Always in front of a photograph of C-130J military aircraft affixed with a golden sunrise mixed with a bright blue sky.
A white graphic text displaying the words Airmen Forever in front of a photograph of an Airman holding his squadron's guideon while standing in formation inside a hangar.
 
 We are Citizen-Airmen rooted in our communities and ready to respond without delay. We will protect our training time, master our skills, and hold ourselves accountable to be a disciplined fighting force. By applying the unique civilian expertise of our Guardsmen, we will innovate, solve problems, and master airlift to project combat capability and humanitarian relief anywhere we are tasked. Our reputation is built every day. We will honor those who came before us by excelling in our duties, maintaining standards, and professionally representing the Wing, always.
 
~Commander, Col. Christopher M. Lutz