Col. Loe takes command

Col. James Loe took command of the 72nd Dental Squadron from outgoing commander Col. Jeffery Baker during an official change of command ceremony at the 72nd Medical Group building July 9. Col. Loe arrives to Tinker from his previous assignment as the deputy commander of the Medical Group and Dental Flight commander at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. (Air Force photo by Margo Wright)

Col. Loe takes reins of 72nd Dental Squadron

Published July 17, 2009
By Howdy Stout
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Team Tinker leadership turned out for a trip to the dentist July 9 as Col. James Loe assumed command of the award-winning 72nd Dental Squadron.

Colonel Loe's previous posting was as the deputy medical group commander and dental flight commander at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Col. Jeffery Baker, the outgoing 72nd DS commander, is being posted to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

"Colonel Baker has been an outstanding leader," said Col. Robert Marks, commander of the 72nd Medical Group at Tinker.

The 72nd DS was one of two units in the Air Force to test a new electronic dental system that allows dental records to be retrieved electronically anywhere in the world. The unit also received outstanding ratings for operational readiness for four years running. As the 72nd Medical Group's deputy commander, Colonel Baker also led the group for four months as the then-commander deployed prior to Colonel Marks' assumption of command.

"These singular distinct accomplishments reflect great credit to Colonel Baker and the United States Air Force," reads the citation to Colonel Baker's third Meritorious Service Medal. Colonel Baker received the award during the change of command ceremony.

Colonel Baker praised the 72nd DS for their work during his tenure as commander.

"What a fantastic team," he said. "72nd DS, I've been proud to be your commander for the last three years."

"You've certainly made a very good impression," agreed Colonel Loe.

Colonel Loe said he is also impressed with the warmth and friendliness of Team Tinker, whose hospitality outshines even that of the traditionally-cordial South Carolinians.

"They have nothing on you all," he said.

For the last three years Colonel Loe served as a dental flight commander and deputy medical group commander in Charleston. Prior to that, he spent two years in Turkey as chief of dental services. A doctor of dental medicine, Colonel Loe is also an outstanding graduate of the Air War College.