News Stories

Sgt. Maj. Ortega bids MAG-12 farewell, Sgt. Maj. Johnson takes charge - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Miguel A. Ortega, outboard sergeant major for Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12, Col. Mark Palmer, commanding officer of MAG-12, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Johnson, sergeant major for MAG-12, pose for a photo after the relief and appointment ceremony of the sergeants major at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 8, 2018. The ceremony was held to show a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Seth Rosenberg)

Sgt. Maj. Coleman Kinzer, left, outbound Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major, prepares to pass on the sword of office to Sgt. Maj. Darnell Richardson, right, newly appointed H&HS sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 26, 2016. The passing of the sword of office represents the transition of duties and responsibilities from one sergeant major to another. Kinzer addressed the Marines of the squadron, stating that he believes without them, the transformation of the air station wouldn’t be possible. - Sgt. Maj. Coleman Kinzer, left, outbound Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major, prepares to pass on the sword of office to Sgt. Maj. Darnell Richardson, right, newly appointed H&HS sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 26, 2016. The passing of the sword of office represents the transition of duties and responsibilities from one sergeant major to another. Kinzer addressed the Marines of the squadron, stating that he believes without them, the transformation of the air station wouldn’t be possible.

Sgt. Maj. Darnell Richardson, outbound Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 sergeant major, addresses the audience during his relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 12, 2016. This ceremony symbolizes the end of Richardson’s role as MALS-12 sergeant major after assuming the role in June 2014. - Sgt. Maj. Darnell Richardson, outbound Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 sergeant major, addresses the audience during his relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 12, 2016. This ceremony symbolizes the end of Richardson’s role as MALS-12 sergeant major after assuming the role in June 2014.

The Marine Aircraft Group 12 color guard marches in formation during a Sgt. Maj. Sergio MartinezRuiz’s relief and appointment ceremony at the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 5, 2016. This ceremony symbolizes the end of MartinezRuiz’s tour after assuming the role of MAG-12’s sergeant major in May of 2014. - The Marine Aircraft Group 12 color guard marches in formation during a Sgt. Maj. Sergio MartinezRuiz’s relief and appointment ceremony at the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 5, 2016. This ceremony symbolizes the end of MartinezRuiz’s tour after assuming the role of MAG-12’s sergeant major in May of 2014.

Col. Robert V. Boucher, Marine Corps Air Station commanding officer, passes the Sword of Office to Sgt. Maj. Keith Massi during a relief and appoint ceremony July 12, 2013. Boucher assumed the billet of station commanding officer in the ceremony that took place before the relief and appointment. - Col. Robert V. Boucher, Marine Corps Air Station commanding officer, passes the Sword of Office to Sgt. Maj. Keith Massi during a relief and appoint ceremony July 12, 2013. Boucher assumed the billet of station commanding officer in the ceremony that took place before the relief and appointment.