MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Maj. Charles R. Johnston relinquished command of Combat Logistics Company 36 to Capt. Roderick J. Singleton Jr. during a change-of-command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 23, 2014.
Johnston first took command of CLC-36 in June 2013 after serving two years as the company’s executive officer.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better command or better Marines,” said Johnston. “When I first got here as a captain, my job was to be the XO. I never imagined I would become commanding officer, but when the opportunity presented itself I was more than pleased to be able to take advantage of it.”
Like Johnston, Singleton also earned the position of commanding officer after serving as CLC-36’s XO since July 2013.
“Singleton knows the ins and outs of the company and is in one of the best positions, of any Marine, to assume command and take CLC-36 to the next level,” said Johnston.
While Singleton does hope to “take CLC-36 to the next level,” he said his year of learning from Johnston will help him continue the tradition, success and support the company provided across the base and Pacific.
“Johnston is very analytical when dealing with problems or an occurrence and he involves every command aboard station in events we have here,” said Singleton. “I’ll definitely put those qualities in my playbook and continue to use them to foster relationships we built over the years and continue to broaden our spectrum a little bit more.”
According to Singleton, analytical thinking and relationship building are not the only lessons he will take from Johnston.
“Johnston is a very smart and dedicated leader,” said Singleton. “He is always mindful of his Marines and truly wants to see them succeed. He spends a lot of time thinking about their concerns and wants to take care of them as best as he can.”
As Johnston moves from CLC-36 to II Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Lejeune, N.C., he is sure the company is in capable hands.
“Singleton has an enthusiastic and optimistic attitude that is really going to open up some doors in terms of getting CLC-36 to stretch its legs across the Pacific,” said Johnston. “Frankly, the sky’s the limit for what they are going to be able to accomplish.”