MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The former Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps director of aviation manpower and support branch took charge as the new Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, commanding officer during a change-of-command ceremony at the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 hangar here June 30.
Col. James C. Stewart relieved Col. Michael A. O’Halloran, who is headed to U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany, where he will serve as the director of joint development and readiness.
Stewart graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned as a second lieutenant May 1988.
From 1991 to 1994, Stewart deployed twice to MCAS Iwakuni as part of the Unit Deployment Program with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 (VMAQ-1).
In November 1994, Stewart deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Europe, in support of Operations Deny Flight and Decisive Endeavor.
In June 1998, Stewart served as the Electronic Warfare department head for VMAQ-2 in Cherry Point, N.C.
In 1999, Stewart deployed to Aviano Airbase, Italy, in support of Operation Allied Force, supporting air strikes in Serbia and Montenegro.
Stewart accrued 87 strike flights in combat operations against defense forces of the Republics of former Yugoslavia.
From 2002 to 2004, Stewart served as the electronic warfare coordinator for the U.S. Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation Department.
From July 2004 to June 2006, Stewart served as the commanding officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron here.
During his first stay in Iwakuni, Stewart deployed to Indonesia, Thailand, and the Republic of Philippines supporting humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief efforts.
In June 2006, Stewart reported to U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany, as the director of contingency and long-range campaign plans.
Stewart’s personal decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Air Medal-Air Heroic Medal with gold star and combat “V”, Air Medal-Strike Flight with a numeral three, Joint Services Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.