MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Col. Stephen Pomeroy took the reigns of Marine Aircraft Group 12 from Col. John DeWitt July 24 in a change of command ceremony held on the station's flightline.
Pomeroy comes to Iwakuni after serving in Washington, D.C. for two years where he was assigned to the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
Pomeroy said he intends to uphold the MAG-12 tradition of being the ready group.
"We at Marine Aircraft Group 12 will remain combat ready in all areas of operations in order to ensure and preserve continued regional peace and stability," said Pomeroy.
Pomeroy graduated from The Citadel and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1978. Following graduation from The Basic School and flight training, Pomeroy reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 333 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., in April 1981.
In 1990, Pomeroy completed more than 40 combat missions over the skies of the Middle East as part of Operation Desert Storm.
Pomeroy reinforced DeWitt's comments during the ceremony about the reasoning behind the success of MAG-12 and expressed his enjoyment of taking over such a command.
"These young men and women gathered before you and their predecessors before them have worked tirelessly with unheralded honor, courage and commitment to allow our nation, through her military forces, to remain strong and free," said Pomeroy.
Pomeroy assumed command from DeWitt, who took command in July 2000. DeWitt is retiring after a decorated 35-year military career, which included two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
"I'm proud to be retiring from the Marine Corps," said DeWitt. "I've been working for the Department of Defense off and on for over 30 years and I wouldn't change a thing. It has been a great ride and I have a lot to be grateful for."