Lance Cpl. Holly McChesneyAL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – As the morning sun began to rise, two Marine officers stood tall, facing each other with the squadron’s colors in their grasp. As one let go, the other held firm, signifying that the squadron’s new commanding officer had arrived.
Lt. Col. Paul Baker, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, assumed command from Lt. Col. Jeffrey Johnson, the outgoing commanding officer of the “Workhorses,” during a change of command ceremony aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 30, 2009.
Change of command ceremonies seldom happen while deployed to a combat zone however, in Johnson’s case, it’s not that new of a concept.
“I don’t know how rare it is,” said Johnson. “I think what’s rare about it is I’ve had two change of commands in Iraq, coming in and going out.”
It was important to Baker and Johnson not to miss a beat in the squadron’s operations due to the change of command. Mission accomplishment is the most important goal for this squadron while deployed, Johnson said.
“It doesn’t end. We had a mission last night; we have one going out tonight,” Johnson explained. “Operations continue; they have to. The people that we support are counting on us 24/7.”
This is Baker’s first opportunity as a commanding officer. He arrived in country only days before the ceremony, traveling to the surrounding bases to visit the various Workhorses detachments throughout Iraq.
“The challenge is that the scope of this squadron is throughout the entire area of operations. I don’t have everyone right here as I had in previous commands,” said Baker. “It’s about getting out there and having that special trust with the young officers that are out in the far regions to accomplish the mission.”
Just as the commanding officer has changed, so has the squadron’s range of operations. Multiple bases are in the process of responsible drawdowns, creating new jobs to employ the Workhorses, including route clearance missions for convoys.
“They’re taking that shift right in stride,” said Baker.
Baker went on to say he is very thankful that Johnson made this transition easy and is also humbled by the opportunity to take command of this squadron.
“I’m looking forward to finishing this deployment and getting everybody home,” said Baker.
