MWHS-2 welcomes new sergeant major

Photo By Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Sgt. Maj. Mario P. Fields, the incoming sergeant major of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, salutes Lt. Col. Thomas J. Witczak, commanding officer of the squadron, during the relief and appointment ceremony July 1.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

07.01.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marines of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 bid farewell to Sgt. Maj. John M. Gonzales and welcomed Sgt. Maj. Mario P. Fields as their new squadron sergeant major during a relief and appointment ceremony on the Cherry Point parade deck July 1.

The ceremony was not only a relief of command for Gonzales but also a conclusion to his 27-year career, which featured stints as sergeant major of two 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing units – Marine Aerial Re-fueler Transport Squadron 252 and MWHS-2.

“The sergeant major has spent a good four years here on the wing with us and he will be missed,” said Lt. Col. Thomas J. Witczak, commanding officer of MWHS-2.

During Witczak’s speech, he mentioned he was eager to work with Fields, and he has the utmost confidence that Fields will properly uphold the MWHS-2 reputation.

“Being with the wing is a fantastic honor,” said Witczak. “We are proud having Sgt. Maj. Fields joining us, and I’m confident he will carry on our traditions.”

Fields has climbed the ranks quickly over his 18-year career. Recent tours of duty include serving as the battalion sergeant major for Combat Logistics Battalion 31 with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and as the weapons company first sergeant for the 3rd Marine Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Fields said he will draw from those experiences as he takes the reins of MWHS-2.

“I’ve learned that Marines need to train for anything the nation might need us for,” Fields said. “My Marines need to know that every day they show up to work, they are making a difference. The work they do supports Marine Corps operations around the world.”

• Date Taken: 07.01.2011
• Date Posted: 07.15.2011 14:47
• Story ID: 73800
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US