756th ARS gets new leadership

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Russel
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  The 756th Air Refueling Squadron held a change of command ceremony here, Sat. April 14.

Lt. Col. Robert Blake, 756th ARS flight commander, assumed command over the 756th ARS. The scope of his job will vastly expand from overseeing air refueling missions over his own flight, to overseeing successful air refueling missions of the entire squadron.

Blake is a self-proclaimed "homegrown" pilot here.

"I've been with this unit over 17 years and we have a solid history of responding to everything asked of us," said Blake.

His main goal is not to implement change, but to take care of those who support the Reserve mission.

"There is not much to change about how good our people are and the way we go out and accomplish operations," said Blake. "Support for our mission extends beyond our wingmen and families, directly to the surrounding community. My aim is to make sure we continue to take care of our families and the communities which support them."

As former commander, Lt. Col. Mark Deresky bids the 756th ARS farewell and Blake embraces the responsibilities of his new position, the focus of the 756th ARS will remain the same.

"Lt. Col. Deresky, you have built a foundation of excellence on the warrior culture fly, fight and win," said Lt. Col. Brian Davis 459th Operations Group commander. "I am more than confident with Lt. Col. Blakes experience and ability to remain calm under pressure, the 756th ARS will continually 'rise to excellence.'"