MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Lt. Col. Charles A. Redden assumed Lt. Col. Jonathan O. Gackles command of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 during a change-of-command ceremony at the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 hangar Monday.
Redden graduated from Auburn University in June 1993 and was commissioned as part of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
Second Lt. Redden graduated from The Basic School in March of 1994 and was designated a basic aircraft maintenance officer.
Upon completion of the aviation maintenance officer school in May 1994, Redden reported for duty at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, where he served as the airframes and aviation life support systems officer-incharge.
In March 1995, he served as the maintenance material control officer and later the assistant aviation maintenance officer for Marine Attack Squadron 231.
In May 1997, Redden reported to Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 in Pensacola, Fla., for duty in Aviation Maintenance Squadron 1, where he served as the mechanical department liaison officer, and later, the marine liaison officer for the aviation machinist’s mate, aviation ordnance, aircrew survival, and expeditionary airfield schools.
From Aug. 1998 to June 2000, Redden served as the executive officer of Aviation Maintenance Squadron 2.
In June 2000, Redden transferred to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 where he served as the assistant aircraft maintenance officer, assistant operations officer, and operations officer.
In June 2003, he transferred to Commander Naval Reserve Air Forces in New Orleans, where he served as the helicopter maintenance class desk for all Navy and Marine Corps reserve helicopters.
From 2005 to June 2006, Redden attended Command and Staff College in Quantico, Va.
In July 2006, he reported to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3 for duty as the plans officer in the Aviation Logistics department and volunteered for a deployment from March 2007 to February 2008 as the executive officer for the Region 2 Headquarters Border Transition Team, located in Tikrit, Iraq.
From July 2008 to Sept. 2009, Redden executed a permanent change of assignment move to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 for duty as the executive officer.
Redden was promoted to his present rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Feb. 2009.
In Sept. 2009, Lt. Col. Redden rejoined the staff of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing while awaiting command.
“I’ll do my best to take MALS-12 to the next level,” said Redden.
His awards include the Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.