U.S. Marine Corps Col. Nathan J. Storm, center, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Wing 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, awards the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Allen R. Whitlow, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161, MAG-16, 3rd MAW, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Feb. 12, 2026. The change of command ceremony signifies the transition to new leadership and a continuation of the unit’s constant preparedness to fight and win. Whitlow led the squadron through the successful combat deployment as the Aviation Combat Element for Crisis Response Africa 25.2 and achievement of an 85 percent Commander Naval Air Force inspection score. Whitlow is a native of Virginia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)
| Date Taken: | 02.12.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.12.2026 19:57 |
| Photo ID: | 9520538 |
| VIRIN: | 260212-M-YL719-1066 |
| Resolution: | 8192x5464 |
| Size: | 9.4 MB |
| Location: | MCAS MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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