MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 realigned from Marine Wing Support Group 17 in Camp Foster, Okinawa, to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni's Marine Aircraft Group 12 in a realignment ceremony which took place on the parade deck here May 4, 2012.
The ceremony crested during the changing of guidons as Col. James M. Gannon, MWSG-17 commanding officer, and Col. Christopher J. Mahoney, MAG- 12 commanding officer, shook hands in agreement, proudly and faithfully transferring authority of MWSS-171.
Gannon spoke to all attending about MWSS-171's accomplishments, the plethora of operations and exercises they supported and the innumerable times they proved to always be ready in support of any task or mission.
“MWSS-171 is a very high performing unit, who live up to their motto, ‘Ready for all things’,” said Gannon.“Their mission is to provide deployable, expeditionary Marine Corps aviation support in any clime and place. They have to be able to leave on short notice and enable sortie generation right away. I’m not sure there’s any other military in the world with such an organization as a Marine wing support squadron.”
Gannon took time to directly address the MWSS-171 servicemembers and then Mahoney.
“To the Marines and sailors of MWSS- 171, I’m very proud of you and all you have accomplished. You’ve met and exceeded all the readiness expectations in 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, you’ve upheld standards and core values across the board. I’ve been honored to be your group commander. Please continue to give Col. Mahoney your best efforts. To Col. Mahoney, know that I’m turning over a well-led, ready and capable squadron to you and MAG-12. They’ve been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and they have two Meritorious Unit Commendation Awards. You can be justifiably proud to gain ‘America’s Squadron.’ I’m confident we’re ready to turn over the squadron and I know you’re ready to put them to the test at Guam and Tinian later this month for Exercise Geiger Fury. Good luck to you and your Marines in MAG-12, take care of the squadron and Semper Fidelis.”
Mahoney took his place on this podium, stating while the realignment was done to further assist in the downsizing of the Marine Corps, strength hasn’t been lost, but gained in this transition of units.
“For the people who know me, part of my vision is developing fear, legitimate fear, out of respect for our combat power, so any who would wish us harm, when they think about messing with Marine Aircraft Group 12, they better be afraid," said Mahoney. "After this day, they better be a lot more afraid. The last few days have not only been an education, but an inspiration. Walking around and seeing these Marines, what they do on a daily basis and what they will bring to the ‘fear factory’. To everyone here, mark my words, if MAG-12 is not more ready, if we do not export more fear, you can have my colors. Semper Fidelis.”