MAWTS-1 Change of Command, May 3, 2024

Posted on | by Robbin Laird
05/15/2024

By Robbin Laird

Ed Timperlake and I are publishing a book on the MAWTS-1 training center later this year.

As we note in our preface:

Training for military forces is in the throes of significant change. The threats are dynamic; there is always the reactive enemy; and technology fosters new ways to operate.

Concepts of operations are evolving, most notably as U.S. and allied forces are focusing on force distribution to deal with the higher end threats authoritarian adversaries are fielding.

We (Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake) have visited the major training centers in the United States and several abroad as the state of the art of training is dynamically developing as well.

In this book, we highlight our visits to a major training center, MAWTS-1 located at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma. This is a truly multi-domain training center and has been from its inception.

I attended the change of command at MAWTS-1 held on May 3, 2024. The day before I had the opportunity to take with two former COs of MAWTS-1 and then with the current and outgoing CO. Those reinforced the core point of our book — MAWTS-1 was founded as a center of excellence to training the trainers for the USMC and it continues to do so reinforcing a core capability for the USMC and the nation.

This article highlights the photos recently released by MAWTS-1 that highlight the ceremony. The first eight photos show Col Purcell’s last flight as the CO of MAWTS-1. The remainder highlight the ceremony.

A special one is the featured photo, namely of the past and current CO of MAWTS-1.

Currently, we have available my book which highlighted my visit to MAWTS-1 last year.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, puts on gloves for his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 2, 2024. The final flight commemorates an aviator's career accomplishments and is a tradition for pilots detaching from their units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Bullard)
A U.S. Marine Corps cranial sits on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 2, 2024. The final flight commemorates an aviator's career accomplishments and is a tradition for pilots detaching from their units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Bullard)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, puts in ear protection for his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 2, 2024. The final flight commemorates an aviator's career accomplishments and is a tradition for pilots detaching from their units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Bullard)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, participates in his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 2, 2024. The final flight commemorates an aviator's career accomplishments and is a tradition for pilots detaching from their units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Bullard)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, watches a CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft taxi on the flight line for his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 2, 2024. The final flight commemorates an aviator's career accomplishments and is a tradition for pilots detaching from their units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Bullard)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, participates in his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 2, 2024. The final flight commemorates an aviator's career accomplishments and is a tradition for pilots detaching from their units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Bullard)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, walks to a CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft for his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 2, 2024. The final flight commemorates an aviator's career accomplishments and is a tradition for pilots detaching from their units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Bullard)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, receives a gift after his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 2, 2024. The final flight commemorates an aviator's career accomplishments and is a tradition for pilots detaching from their units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Bullard)
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Joshua M. Smith, a Medway, Maine native, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, prays during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, march during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, participate in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marines, assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, perform during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, participate in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marines, assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, perform during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, participate in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, left, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, and Col. Joshua M. Smith, a Medway, Maine native, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, receive the unit colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, left, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, and Col. Joshua M. Smith, a Medway, Maine native, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, share comradery during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, stands at attention during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, participate in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, salutes during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Joshua M. Smith, a Medway, Maine native, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, salutes during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, stands at attention during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, left, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, is awarded by Maj. Gen. Thomas B. Savage, a Chico, California native, commanding general of Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Thomas B. Savage, a Chico, California native, commanding general of Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric D. Purcell, a New Milford, Connecticut native, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps, past and present commanding officers of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, salute during a pass and review as part of a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, participate in a pass and review during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)
U.S. Marine Corps, past and present commanding officers of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, salute during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 3, 2024. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Joshua M. Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Fernandez)