MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, also known as the “Sumos,” passed their torch to a new commander during an official change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 27, 2016.
Lt. Col. Matthew W. Stover, commanding officer of VMGR-152, passed his responsibilities on to Lt. Col. Andrew J. Pushart, Marine Aircraft Group 12 special projects officer, after honorably serving as the squadron commander for two years.
“I have had the best job in the Marine Corps for the last two years,” said Stover. “Serving with the Sumos has been the pinnacle of my career and I will greatly miss the Marines I have served with during my tour both in Iwakuni and in Okinawa.”
In 2014, VMGR-152 transitioned from Okinawa to Iwakuni with Stover serving as the commanding officer.
“Successfully relocating an entire squadron from one OCONUS air station to another via organic lift while continuing to support all III Marine Expeditionary Force tasking and additional mission to support the Pacific Command was the highlight of my tour,” said Stover.
Stover also said he hopes the oncoming CO continues to build upon the sense of camaraderie the unit has fostered across all ranks among the aircrew, maintenance and squadron Marines.
As Pushart begins his third tour with the Sumos at MCAS Iwakuni, he said this journey will be slightly different as the commanding officer.
“Maintaining the high level of excellence that VMGR-152 has a reputation for is my expectation as the new commander,” said Pushart. “Our general officers have referred to the VMGR units as ‘rock stars’ and ‘crown jewels’ of aviation, and I am definitely not going to contradict them.”
During the ceremony, Pushart expressed the pride he feels toward the squadron and said he is looking forward to carrying on the high standards expected of them.
“I’ll have the job of just giving the Marines of VMGR-152 slight ‘rudder steers’ in order to keep them on track,” said Pushart. “But when you have a unit that consistently performs at a high level, it makes my job easier.”