MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Sgt. Maj. Darnell Richardson relinquished his duties as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Edwin Mota during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 12, 2016.
Richardson previously served in billets ranging from instructor at drill instructor school to Headquarters Battery first sergeant at 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. In June 2014, Richardson assumed the position of MALS-12 sergeant major and will soon continue his service at the air station as the new Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major.
“It’s bittersweet leaving MALS-12,” said Richardson. “It’s one of those rare and big units, but it’s also one of the best units. I put in a lot of time and effort, and these Marines made me the better man that I am today.”
Richardson said he had some influence on Mota becoming the new MALS-12 sergeant major and that they had both served together previously at the Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-East, Camp Geiger, N.C.
“We have a past together and he (Richardson) is passionate about what he does,” said Mota. “There is no better person to take over for than someone you already know has good work ethic.”
Mota previously held the role of sergeant major at 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., since April 2014.
Upon completion of the ceremony, he indicated some of his goals while he serves as the MALS-12 sergeant major.
“I want to continue on the track that we are currently on and make the unit better,” said Mota. “I want to get back to the basics by allowing the NCOs to be the backbone and take back the Marine Corps like it was 10 years ago. I am glad to be here, the Marines on base have impressed me, and I am ready to get to work.”