GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba -- The officer and enlisted leadership of the 193rd Military Police Company at Joint Task Force Guantanamo changed hands during a change of command ceremony at Bulkeley Field in Camp America, June 4.
Army Capt. Nick S. Francois and Army 1st Sgt. Michael L. Baker Jr., incoming commander and senior enlisted leader for the 193rd MP Co., replaced Army Capt. Pedro E. Vasquez, outgoing commander, and Army 1st Sgt. William L. Gamble, outgoing senior enlisted leader.
The 193rd MP Company was established at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in October 2005. Vasquez was the first company commander to serve two years in this tough environment.
“Over the past 24 months, Captain Vasquez has led this unit with distinction while also serving as the Camp 5 officer-in-charge during some of our most challenging times,” said Army Lt. Col. Alex Conyers, 525th MP Battalion commander. “You met every challenge from detainees, a constant turnover of Soldiers and balancing our daily mission, and maintaining our warfighting capabilities and skill sets head on.”
Francois brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership to this command. He joined the Army in June 2000 and later attended Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as an MP officer in 2004. His most recent assignment was as the detainee operations officer for United States Army Forces Central Command at Fort McPherson, Ga.
“His previous assignments have served him well as he tackles the unique challenges within this demanding environment,” Conyers said. “I am confident that Francois will ensure the Soldiers of the 193rd will remain ever vigilant and will create an even greater synergy within this command, while taking it to new heights.”
Following the change of command ceremony, a change of responsibility between Gamble and Baker took place.
Gamble enlisted in 1985 and has served in several corrections capacities. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Steven M. Raines, 525th MP Battalion senior enlisted leader, spoke highly of Gamble and his important role.
“You have upheld the traditions bestowed to you in this position,” Raines said. “Over a year ago, I told you it would be tough and demanding, but very rewarding. You displayed technical and tactical knowledge that was unsurpassed. You provided immeasurable leadership by example to more than 124 Soldiers who provided safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees assigned to three separate detention facilities. It was a pleasure serving with you.”
Baker joined the Army in January 1995 and has a rich background in shaping and leading Soldiers. According to Raines, he is no stranger to detention operations or leadership positions. Raines charged Baker with keeping his head on a swivel and spared few details on how tough and demanding his new position would be.
“This is no easy job and one that should be taken seriously,” Raines said. “There will be long days and hard decisions that you will have to make, these decisions will not just affect Soldiers’ lives, but also have an adverse and positive affect on their families as well. I know you are up to the challenge and will serve the Soldiers of the 193rd MP Company well.”
After the company guidon was passed from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander and the passing of the non-commissioned officer sword, Conyers expressed his gratitude to the Soldiers of the 193rd MP Company.
“Thanks for being the true professionals while under the national and international spotlight,” Conyers said. Thanks to each of you for what you do every single day. Although the key on our coin of excellence is symbolic of the key used on the blocks, each of you is the real key to our success.”
| Date Taken: |
06.11.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
06.25.2010 11:29 |
| Story ID: |
51974 |
| Location: |
GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: |
204 |
| Downloads: |
140 |
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