MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The former Marine Aircraft Group 12 director of safety and standardization took command of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 during a change of command ceremony at the VMFA (AW )-242 hangar here June 15.
Lt. Col. Richard Petersen relieved Lt. Col. Chris T. Pappas III, who is headed to Fort McNair, Washington D.C., where he will be attending Top Level School.
Petersen graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1993.
In September 1997, Petersen was assigned to VMFA -121, where he held the position as the ground training officer, airframes division officer and aviation officer.
During Petersen’s time with VMFA (AW )-121 he deployed to Iwakuni, Japan, under the Unit Deployment Program and to Kuwait in support of Operation Southern Watch.
In 2001, Petersen was directed as the VMFA (AW )-121 flight officer and pilot training officer.
While holding these positions, Petersen deployed to Egypt for Exercise Bright Star, Kyrgyzstan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In February 2004, Petersen was assigned as the Marine Aircraft Group 11 weapons and tactics instructor, a position he held until July 2004. After relinquishing his duties with MAG- 11, Petersen was assigned to Headquarters, Marine Corps as a program coordinator at the Pentagon.
In January 2008, Petersen deployed to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, as the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing fixed wing weapons and tactics instructor and a future plans officer. From September 2008 until June 2009, Petersen was assigned as the executive officer for VMFA -232, and from June to December 2009 he was the operations officer and special duty officer for MAG-11.
Petersen’s personal achievements and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal Strike/Flight Award with a bronze numeral seven, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.