MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 said farewell to one of its own as the former MWSS-171 sergeant major handed over his duties to the oncoming sergeant major during a relief-and-appointment ceremony at the Building 1 parade deck here Sept. 1.
Sgt. Maj. Blake L. Smith was replaced as the new squadron sergeant major by Sgt. Maj. Albert Diaz. Smith started his tour of duty as MWSS-171’s sergeant major in September 2009.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better sergeant major,” said Lt. Col. Michael C. Taylor, MWSS-171 commanding officer. “Sergeant Major Smith was a true leader, mentor, teacher and he made the squadron better.”
Smith left here to serve as the new commanding sergeant major for Headquarters Command at the School of Infantry- West, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Smith completed his last tour of duty as the School of Infantry-West Advanced Infantry Training Battalion’s sergeant major.
He also has previous tours with the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif., the University of San Diego Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.
Taylor also said Smith identified with Marines under his charge and had a mutual understanding of respect and trust with his staff noncommissioned officers.
Through that, Smith was able to make the squadron more closeknit, he added. Smith humbly shared the acceptance of praise saying without the aid of SNCOs and officers, he would not have been as successful as the squadron sergeant major in forging their close-knit bonds.
“They’ve made the biggest difference, not me,” said Smith. “And I really appreciate that.”
Taylor said he felt reassured, knowing Smith would be able to influence a new generation of Marines at SOI-West.
“I’m happy he’s not retiring,” said Taylor. “This is the guy we need as a role model for our young Marines coming into the Corps.”
The level of respect, dedication and enthusiasm Smith showed in his two years as the squadron sergeant major is something the new squadron sergeant major hopes to emulate in his time here.
“I’m going to give 110 percent to the Marines here,” said Diaz. “This isn’t just another duty station to me. I think it will be a good challenge for me.”
Diaz completed his most recent tour of duty as the 1st Radio Battalion sergeant major at Camp Pendleton, Calif.