MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- The Workhorse of the Wing, Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, received a new commanding officer June 30 outside the squadron’s engineer facility.
Lt. Col. Paul D. Baker relinquished command to Lt. Col. Paul A. Rosenbloom after 18 months of command. Baker took over the squadron while it was deployed in Iraq in 2010 and saw the squadron through the end of its combat deployment and a deployment to South America to support humanitarian efforts.
“You expertly managed one of the largest squadrons in the wing as they support more than 30 operations, maintained readiness for deployment, and successfully supported 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing daily requirements,” said Maj. Gen. Jon M. Davis, commanding general of 2nd MAW, in a statement for Baker. “You took the majority of your squadron and formed a special-purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force and deployed to South America for military-to-military exchanges that would benefit the armed forces for years to come.
Under your command, Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 has truly been the Workhorse of the Wing.” Under Baker’s tenure, the versatility of MWSS-271 was put to good use. While deployed and on other operations, the squadron consistently met its mission and completed duties not usually in the squadron’s job description.
“The folks that you see standing out here represent about 700 Marines and Sailors,” said Col. Daniel Conley, commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Group 27. “There are about 70 different military occupational specialties contained in this unit. As the commanders know, a well-led and well-trained MWSS can do not just its doctrinal mission, but a whole lot of other missions as well. While other units were packing up and heading home, not only did Paul Baker and the Workhorses take over the aviation ground support that enabled the wing to do its job, but they also took over those missions that other units couldn’t or wouldn’t do.”
Baker deflected much of the credit, citing that much of the work was done by the members of the squadron.
“I got there, and I found a very well-trained and prepared unit ready for combat,” said Baker. “You continue to strive and you continue to accomplish missions. Everything you do is preparation for combat. It was a great two-year command.”
Rosenbloom has previous experience with support squadrons, having been the operations officer for MWSS-271’s parent command, MWSG-27. Between his prior knowledge of MWSS-271 and Baker’s guidance for the past two weeks, Rosenbloom expects the troops to stick to their exemplary performance and will be with them every step of the way.
“Devil Dogs, Sailors, I don’t make a lot of promises,” said Rosenbloom. “But I will make one here today, I will truly dedicate myself 100 percent every single day to living up to the motto of being the most ready when the nation is the least ready. I’ve been truly impressed over the last couple weeks and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.”