2-130th Airfield Operations Battalion Change of Command

Photo By Sgt. Jacob Hester-Heard | U.S. Army Col. Michele Harper, Commander of the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, passes the battalion guidon to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Daniel J. McAuliffe, incoming Commander of the 2-130th Airfield Operations Battalion, 449th CAB, during a change of command ceremony at the 2-130th armory in Salisbury, North Carolina, Oct. 18, 2020. Lt. Col. Daniel J. McAuliffe assumed command of the 2-130th AOB in place of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dave Baker. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jacob Hester-Heard, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released).  

SALISBURY, NC, UNITED STATES

10.18.2020

Courtesy Story

382nd Public Affairs Detachment

North Carolina Army National Guard Lt. Col. Daniel J. McAuliffe, assumed command of the 2-130th Airfield Operations Battalion, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, in place of Lt. Col. Dave M. Baker during a change of command ceremony at the 2-130th armory in Salisbury, North Carolina, Oct. 18, 2020. The Hornets underwent a major transition during Baker’s command, relocating assets and Soldiers from all over North Carolina to a unified command based out of Salisbury, North Carolina.

“I leave you, the 2-130th in incredibly capable hands.” Baker said. “Dan, you are a terrific leader, someone I trust, and a true friend. Thank you to the North Carolina National Guard for all that you’ve given me over twenty plus years. It’s been a privilege.”

McAuliffe, the incoming commander, is also the facility commander of the Hornets’ new home in Salisbury.

“To the Soldiers, Noncommissioned officers and officers within the command, I am humbled and excited to serve as your battalion commander. As your commander, my unwavering commitment is to provide to you the outstanding leadership and competence you deserve.” McAuliffe said. “To the brigade command, and North Carolina National Guard leadership, my commitment and promise to you is to prepare and train these great Soldiers to accomplish their domestic and wartime mission.”

McAuliffe earned his commission from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1995. Upon completing flight training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, where he served for 10 years. He entered the North Carolina Army National Guard in 2008 and has served in multiple positions of leadership within the 449th CAB. He is rated in the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, the LUH-72 Lakota, and the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. He is a graduate of the Advanced Operations Course and has earned the Master Aviator Badge.

“Lt. Col. Baker, thank you for your hard work and dedication to the organization. It has been an honor serving with you, and I wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors.” McAuliffe said.
Baker attributed his and the unit’s successes during the relocation and a recent deployment to the efforts and attitudes of his teammates.

“To Maj. Potvin, Sgt. Maj. Hunt, Command Sgt. Maj. Shorter, and all those I’ve served with for over 20 years, you are the reason people serve and continue to stay in.” Baker said. “Dan McAuliffe, Bethany Barden, Jack Potvin, Warren Green, Matt Shorter, DK Smith, Jay Hosack, Phil Howell, you are the backbone behind the 449th’s ‘Most Outstanding Army Aviation Unit of the Year’ award, and one of the best teams that I have ever had the privilege to serve with.”
Lt. Col. Baker has led the Hornets since Feb. 3, 2019. He is retiring after over 27 years of service.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2020
• Date Posted: 10.23.2020 12:49
• Story ID: 381527
• Location: SALISBURY, NC, US