MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- ‘America’s squadron,’ Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, bid farewell to their honorable commanding officer during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 30, 2016.
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. James S. Whiteker relinquished his duties as MWSS-171 commanding officer to Lt. Col. Jason B. Berg.
Previously serving as the commanding officer for Combat Logistics Company 36 at MCAS Iwakuni back in January 2008, Whiteker assumed leadership of MWSS-171 in June 2014 and will be moving to his next assignment at U.S. Marine Corps Forces South in Miami, Florida, as the logistics officer.
“It’s been awesome because I’ve had a fantastic group of Marines who are motivated and professional,” said Whiteker. “What it boils down to is this is a people business. We have machines and equipment that makes us better at our jobs, but ultimately it’s the men and women who serve, and that’s the reason we fight so hard and why we’re so good. That’s what has made this a terrific tour. I have confidence that I am handing the Marines to a fantastic leader and that helps me say ‘goodbye.’”
Assuming responsibility as the new commanding officer, Berg will begin his tour here after previously serving as the logistics officer for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.
“These Marines are incredible and you can tell their true professionals and experts in their job,” said Berg. “I can tell it’s an amazing team and I’m looking forward to serving alongside and learning from the Marines.”
The squadron provides essential aviation-ground support, supplements airbase facilities, and services MCAS Iwakuni and other forward deployed areas of the Pacific region for numerous exercises throughout the year.
Living by the motto, ‘In Omnia Paratus,’ meaning ‘ready for all things,’ Berg will take charge to ensure the legacy of operational readiness is maintained at MWSS-171.
“We’re going to train hard, I’ll tell you that,” said Berg. “We will be ready for all things and will obtain brilliance in the basics and an understanding of our battlefield responsibilities.” Marking the turnover between the outgoing commander and incoming commander, a change of command ceremony also celebrates the hard work, achievements and comradeship shared amongst the unit.
Whiteker notably led MWSS-171 to unprecedented levels of support for essential exercises, operations and humanitarian assistance efforts across the Pacific. For his efforts as the squadron commanding officer, Whiteker received the meritorious service medal gold star in lieu of a fourth award.
Before departing, Whiteker expressed his gratitude and astonishment toward his Marines as they were the integral piece to a functioning, successful unit.
“You rarely met my expectations . . . because you were exceeding them all of the time,” said Whiteker.