Photo By Cpl. Samantha Foster | Col. Robert D. Cooper and Col. William R. Lieblein salute the colors with former...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Colonel William R. Lieblein relinquished command of Marine Aircraft Group 31 to Col. Robert D. Cooper during a change of command ceremony, June 12, on the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Lieblein assumed command of MAG-31 May 20, 2013. Cooper previously commanded Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 at MCAS Yuma, Ariz.
Lieblein thanked his family, friends and fellow Marines for their support and welcomed Cooper to his new command.
“I was very fortunate to have a great lineup of squadron commanding officers,” said Lieblein. “Their leadership is institutional and their perspective is exceptional.”
Soon after earning a degree in industrial engineering, Lieblein was commissioned as a Marine officer in August 1989. He began his Marine Corps career at MCAS Beaufort with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 451. Lieblein has been on several deployments including his most recent a 13-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“We’ve made some significant strides over the last two years,” said Lieblein. “At the end of my command tour, I know I’ve made MAG-31 stronger and I know that Col. Cooper will do the same.”
Born is Paris, France, Cooper attended the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as a Marine officer in May, 1992. Cooper has deployed to numerous combat environments which include the skies of Serbia and Kosovo and served aboard the USS Enterprise in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and OEF.
“This is an amazing Marine Aircraft Group and they are greatly supported by the community,” said Cooper. “The MAG has been in great hands, and I’m excited to take over.”
Cooper has been in the Marine Corps for 23 years, and will bring his leadership skills to the squadrons of MAG-31 as their new commanding officer.
As Col. Cooper addresses the Marines of MAG-31, he states, “It means a lot to be standing in front of you, with you, and for you. Marines and sailors of MAG-31, I am extremely honored, humbled, and privileged to stand with you, and work for you.”
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2015 19:17 |
| Story ID: | 166491 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 238 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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