Another homecoming
Yuma native returns for 4th time to become new squadron leader at MCAS
The mantle of leadership of a Harrier squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma was transferred to a new commander Thursday morning, someone who was literally born to be here.
Yuma native Lt. Col. Robb McDonald assumed command of the Tomcats of VMA-311 from Lt. Col. Michael McKenney, who relinquished it to him during a change of command ceremony held inside the squadron’s hangar.
Lt. Col. McDonald was chosen to be the next commander of VMA-311 in the summer of 2018. He had previously been assigned to VMAT-203 in Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he served as the squadron’s executive officer.
In welcoming McDonald to his new post, Colonel William Sauerland, Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group 13, said he was ex-
actly the right person for the job, at exactly the right time.
“We are excited to have you here,” Col. Sauerland said. “I can’t be prouder of you, and I’m really excited to see where you take the Tomcats.”
The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another. It was also an opportunity for the Marines in the squadron to see their new commanding officer.
The ceremony, which featured music from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, the traditional passing of the colors and a passin-review formation, took place before gathered family members, distinguished guests, military officers and enlisted personnel.
Outgoing squadron commander Lt. Col. Michael McKenney, whose next post is with the staff of MAG-13, also spoke at the ceremony, saying Lt. Col. McDonald was the right person to lead the squadron as it prepares for deployment in the Spring of 2019.
“There is no single warrior I can think of who is better suited to do that,” McKinney said.
In his first words to the squadron, Lt. Col. McDonald shared his excitement and expressed how proud he was to be its new commander.
“I’m absolutely honored to be here standing in front of you, and we will talk tomorrow more about what you can expect from me, and what I need from you,” Lt. Col. McDonald said.
He added that he also felt extremely blessed to be able to be taking over command of a squadron that Lt. Col. McKenney, a longtime personal friend, has influenced and shaped over the past year and a half.
For Lt. Col. McDonald, however, his new command at MCAS Yuma is another homecoming. Not only was he born here, it’s the fourth time he has been assigned to the air station.
His first tour of duty at MCAS Yuma was in 2004 as a member of VMA-211. While assigned to the squadron he deployed twice to Al Asad, Iraq, where he flew combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He returned to VMA-211 in 2010, deploying with the 31 Marine Expeditionary Unit and then to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, in 2012 to fly combat missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
It was during that deployment that a group of 15 insurgents wearing U.S. Army uniforms attacked Camp Bastion, with the squadron’s then commander Lt. Col. Christopher Raible and Sgt. Bradley Atwell being killed in the ensuing battle. Six Harrier jets, along with an Air Force C-130, were also destroyed. Two other Harriers were also badly damaged.
Lt. Col. McDonald, who was a major at the time, later received the Silver Star — the nation’s third-highest combat valor award — for his role in repelling the insurgents that night.
While under attack, Lt. Col. McDonald borrowed a rifle, engaged the enemy, killing at least one, and coordinated two helicopter strikes that ended the battle.