MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni residents welcomed a new Station sergeant major and bid adieu to a 30-year Marine during a quiet ceremony at the Station Drill Field, June 17.
Sgt. Maj. David Allison was relieved as Station sergeant major by Sgt. Maj. Randolph L. Mitchell. The ceremony was the final act as a Marine for Allison whose retirement ceremony followed the post and relief.
During the ceremony, Station Commanding Officer Col. Michael A. Dyer spoke on Allison’s retirement and expressed his feelings toward the newly posted sergeant major.
“We are looking forward to teaming with you during your tenure as sergeant major,” said Dyer. “Sgt. Maj. Allison was excited to hear you were relieving him and he assured me of your credentials.”
This is Mitchell’s first tour in Iwakuni, but he is no stranger to the Pacific. He has served two tours in Okinawa and comes to the Station from Camp Fuji, Japan.
Mitchell showed enthusiasm toward his new duty station and looks forward to working in Iwakuni.
“What I’ve seen from the Marines and sailors on Station so far has been nothing short of impressive,” said Mitchell. “Iwakuni has a great reputation throughout the world and I will try my hardest to strengthen that reputation.”
Mitchell’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal, to name a few.
Allison will return home to Ohio.
“I leave Iwakuni with no regrets and I leave the Marine Corps with no regrets,” said Allison “People tell me I’m going to miss the Marine Corps and I say, ‘you’re damn right I’m going to miss it,’ after 30 years of service I know no other way of life.”