Photo By Cpl. Samantha Foster | Marines gathered into formation for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312's change of...... read more read more
Subscribe
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Marines gathered into formation for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312's change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, May 8.
Lt. Col. Nathan M. Miller, the commanding officer of VMFA-312, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Harry F. Thomas Jr.
"Today is about gratitude and the Marine Corps," said Miller. "No other organization in the world has warrior ethos like the Marine Corps. Where else can you look someone right in the eyes and say ooh-rah, and the response be kill. To the Marines of the squadron, stay passionate and stay hungry."
Miller took over VMFA-312 as the commanding officer in December 2013. He has conducted nearly 3,700 mishap-free flight hours in the F/A-18, and has completed 97 combat missions.
Thomas reported to the Silver Eagles of VMFA-115 aboard MCAS Beaufort in March 2002 as a first lieutenant. He has deployed several times aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, including combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Thomas has been assigned to several squadrons throughout his career including the Silver Eagles of VMFA-115, the Checkerboards of VMFA-312, the Thunderbolts of VMFA-251, Marine Aircraft Group 12 in Iwakuni, Japan, and the Bats of VMFA(AW)-242.
In 2006, Thomas attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School, also known as Topgun, where he became an instructor pilot. He was the Navy and Marine Corps subject matter expert on close air support, armed reconnaissance, strike coordination and reconnaissance, and large force employment. While assigned to Topgun, served as the readiness officer, standardization officer, and executive officer and was qualified in the F/A-18 Hornet, F/A18-E Super hornet, and F-16N Viper.
"I was fortunate enough to come and observe the checkerboards for the last six weeks before taking command," said Thomas. "It's amazing how much this unit trusts each other and their willingness to self-sacrifice for others. That's what makes them exceptional. I look forward to being your advocate and leading you."
As the newly appointed commanding officer of VMFA-312, Thomas will carry on the mission of the Checkerboards.
"None of this was possible without the people behind the scenes," said Miller. "Marines, great job. To my staff noncommissioned officers, you keep it running as a collective staff, and you are the ones that make it happen. To all the officers, thank you for all you've done collectively to keep the squadron successful."
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2015 16:00 |
| Story ID: | 163069 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 697 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Checkerboards hold change of command, by Cpl Samantha Foster, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT