MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A former F/A-18 pilot with Marine Aircraft Group 12 for the past year took command of the Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 here May 4, 2012, in a change-of-command ceremony.
Lt. Col. Bruce D. Gordon succeeded Lt. Col. Richard E. Petersen,who served two years as the commanding officer of VMFA (AW )-242, also known as the “Bats.”
“I’d like to thank the leadership for the opportunity to command such a fine organization,” said Gordon. “I feel privileged and honored to be able to walk the path of those that have gone before me.”
There have been many leaders of the Bats, but Col. Christopher J. Mahoney and Petersen, two of the most recent commanding officers of VMFA (AW )-242, showed they were glad to entrust Gordon with the title of VMFA (AW)-242 commanding officer.
After Petersen passed on the responsibilities of commanding officer to Gordon, the Bats’ focus is on the next level of readiness and to apply effective combat power, at a moment’s notice, said Gordon.
“I have watched (the bats) from a distance over the last six months and I have been impressed,” said Gordon. VMFA (AW)-242 servicemembers prides themselves on being ready for anything and always being combat effective.
“The Bats already project fear into the hearts and souls of anyone who wishes to do us harm, they are ready,” said Petersen. “I feel like I’m turning over the ranks into really good hands.”
Gordon has served in several capacities here, including schedules officer, powerline division officer, logistics officer and has participated in many training deployments throughout the Pacific as a part of the “Lancers” of VMFA -212.
Gordon then served with the “Hawks” of VMFA (AW)-533 and completed a deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He also deployed to the Pacific Area of Responsibility under the Unit Deployment Program as a part of the “Checkerboards” of VMFA-312 who were originally located at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
This new assignment is a combination of the efforts of my fellow Marines in addition to my own, said Gordon.
During his 18 years of service, Gordon has performed a multitude of tasks and leadership roles, and now faces the challenge and responsibilities as the commanding officer of VMFA (AW)-242.