MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Combat Logistics Company 36 welcomed a new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 20, 2016.
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Roderick Singleton Jr. relinquished his duties as CLC-36 commanding officer to Capt. William Sanford after serving as the company commander for three years.
In July 2013, Singleton assumed the position of CLC-36 commanding officer and is departing to further his career at Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia.
“My time with CLC-36 was the most challenging, demanding, rewarding and fulfilling time I have ever had in the Marine Corps, and I loved every minute of it,” said Singleton. “This is a solemn occasion but also a time for celebration. It is a great time to continue to see this company move forward under the command of their new commanding officer. I know he has what it takes to make his Marines and unit successful. I can only see great things happening from here.”
Singleton said for being a small company, they accomplished a lot during his three years and participated in more exercises throughout the Pacific region such as exercise Forager Fury where CLC-36 deployed to Guam, Tinian and Saipan in support of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171.
“When I first arrived here, we started getting into the exercise role supporting MWSS-171,” said Singleton. “We also deployed on Dragon Fire 2014 at Combined Armed Training Center Camp Fuji, conducting convoy operations, live-fire training, conditioning and topped it off by climbing Mount Fuji. Then we conducted Toketsu Dragon in 2014 and again in 2015 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, where we trained for seven days and continued to refine our skills.”
Sanford will be assuming his first position of commanding officer after serving as the Marine Corps Installations Pacific installation motor transport officer for two years before becoming the plans and operations officer.
Sanford expressed his thoughts about the Marines of CLC-36 and what he hopes to accomplish throughout his time serving as their commanding officer.
“This is an opportunity for me to show to the Marines and sailors of CLC-36 that anything can be accomplished and improved upon,” said Sanford. “While I’m here, I hope to continue Singleton’s project to develop and expand the capabilities of the company and will do my best to make him proud.”