MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The former Marine Aircraft Group 12 executive officer is slated to report for duty as the MAG-12 commanding officer during a change-of-command ceremony at the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 hangar here scheduled today.
Col. Christopher J. Mahoney is scheduled to succeed Col. Stephen G. Nitzschke, who is slated to report for duty as the J-54 chief of Strategic Engagement Division with the U.S. Special Operations Command MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Nitzschke assumed command of MAG-12 nearly two years ago on June 19.
During his time as the MAG-12 commander, Nitzschke continually focused on improving the MAG’s ability to live up to its name, “The Ready Group.”
Nitzschke references two memories that happened under his command as the most significant to him during his time with the MAG and the most telling of The Ready Group’s abilities.
One happened on July 13, 2010. MAG-12 participated in Invincible Spirit, a 12-day exercise, which proved the group’s ability to respond rapidly in preparation to an attack on South Korea. The second was on March 30. The MAG successfully flew 36 aircraft at the same time and had 24 F/A-18 Hornets land safely at Pohang Air Base, South Korea, to close out exercise Foal Eagle 2011.
Nitzschke said those moments represent what the MAG is all about, which is readiness and its ability to respond when the nation calls, and he credits the Marines under his command for the MAG’s capabilities.
“The Marines have responded phenomenally,” said Nitzschke. “Everything that I have asked them to do, they have delivered in a tremendous fashion. I have been very proud and a bit humbled by what they have done.”
1st Lt. Joel Saravia, MAG-12 adjutant, has worked with Nitzschke since he first took command.
“He is one of the most honest and genuine people I have met in the Marine Corps so far,” said Saravia. “It’s really nice, because he actually cares about his officers. He actually cares about his Marines. A lot of commanders tend to get so busy with ‘tops’ they don’t take the time to talk to the Marines, but Col. Nitzschke is really good about that.”
Saravia said he has noticed how some of the junior Marines are taken aback when Nitzschke walks up to them for a conversation.
“It’s not something you would expect from a colonel,” said Saravia. “Normally, with a colonel, you stand to attention when he walks into your office space and he walks and talks to the officer and that’s about it.”
Sgt. Cristhian Santana, MAG-12 Section 1 personnel chief has been in the Marine Corps more than seven years and has worked under several commanding officers. Santana remembers a day when he and three other Marines were smoking at the smoke-pit and were surprised when Nitzschke stopped to talk to them.
“He has the Marines in mind,” said Santana. “He differs from other people because he leads from the front. Other people are like, ‘Hey, let the squadron gunny and everybody else do it.’ He’s into it. He’s definitely more involved.”
Santana said he believes Nitzschke will be missed when he leaves.
Mahoney will be MAG-12’s 97th commanding officer.