VMAQT-1 welcomes new commanding officer

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Lance Cpl. Unique B. Roberts

Date: 06.11.2014
Posted: 06.11.2014 09:38
News ID: 132763
VMAQT-1 welcomes new commanding officer

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Lt. Col. William A. Schutz assumed command of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 from Lt. Col. Joshua S. K. Gordon during a ceremony here, June 5.

VMAQT-1’s mission is to train pilots and aircrews to operate the EA-6B Prowler. In addition, the squadron conducts airborne electronic warfare in support of the Fleet Marine Force operations.

“I’m most proud of the squadron for transitioning from an operational squadron to a training squadron,” said Gordon. “We never stood down or took an operational pause; we continued to march forward and strive to accomplish our primary goal as an organization.”

Gordon was originally assigned the billet, director of safety and standardization in 2009 with then VMAQ-1. He was reassigned in May 2010 as the executive officer for the squadron. In June 2012, Gordon assumed command of VMAQT-1, after a re-designation ceremony.

“I’ve been with the squadron for five years,” said Gordon. “It is a bittersweet feeling – when you do anything for five years it becomes a part of you, and I feel a certain closeness or association with the squadron. I feel bittersweet about being excited for the future.”

Gordon will continue his career as the executive officer of Marine Aircraft Group 14.

VMAQT-1’s new commanding officer was previously assigned to the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Armed Forces Strategic Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., where he served as the deputy G-3 plans and operations officer.

Schutz plans to continue in the path that Gordon has created during his tenure as commanding officer.

“I’m looking forward to providing trained pilots and (electronic countermeasures officers) to the fleet squadrons,” said Schutz. “I’m also looking forward to serving the Marines and taking care of them especially in regards to the future of electronic warfare in the Marine Corps.”