MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Sgt. Maj. Keith Massi relinquished control of his post as the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, sergeant major during his relief ceremony May 22, 2015.
Massi served as the station sergeant major from the summer of 2013 until the spring of 2015 and will now travel to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he will serve as the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s new sergeant major.
“It has been my absolute pleasure to have worked alongside Sergeant Major Massi for the past few years,” said Col. Robert Boucher, the station commanding officer. “The station is going to miss him, but he’s going to a great command where I know he’s going to make the same impact.”
Massi took command as the 11th MUE sergeant major on May 14, during a post and relief ceremony at Camp Pendleton where he relieved Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black of his position.
“I’ve been able to work very closely with Massi for almost two years now,” said Maj. Gen. Chuck Hudson, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific. “Since his and Boucher’s arrival to Iwakuni, I have seen a mass amount of change, all for the better, that has taken place aboard this air station.”
Hudson stated that he is extremely satisfied the changes that took place during Massi’s time in Iwakuni adding that it’s all thanks to the great relationship Massi has built with the Marine Aircraft Group 12 and the Japanese Martine Self-Defense Force, because these relationships not only benefit the air station, but the entirety of the MCIPAC.
“I’ve enjoyed the time I have spent here,” said Massi. “I’m looking forward to the challenge that going to the 11th MUE will bring; however, there’s a part of me that doesn’t want to leave because the community here made this place home to me.”
Massi said he’s enjoyed interacting with the entirety of the Iwakuni community, whether it was during small events hosted by Marine Corps Community Services or large scale operations like moving Marine Ariel Transport Refuler Squadron 152 to Iwakuni.
“I’m going to miss this place, but I know that the station is in good hands with Colonel Boucher,” said Massi. “I want to thank all the Marine and sailors aboard station you guys are the reason why I do what I do and as I move on I know I will always have your support.”