MAG-31 bids farewell to Cooper, welcomes Latt

Photo By Staff Sgt. Benjamin McDonald | Sgt. Maj. Stephen Muller carries the organizational battle colors to Col. Robert Cooper during the Marine Aircraft Group 31 change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Feb. 10. Cooper exchanged the colors with Col. Frank Latt signifying the changing of command. Muller is the sergeant major of MAG-31.  

BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

02.10.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Benjamin McDonald 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Col. Robert Cooper relinquished command of Marine Aircraft Group 31 to Col. Frank Latt aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Feb. 10.
The change of command ceremony was held at Merritt Field. Marines ofMAG-31, the families of the outgoing and incoming commanding officers, and the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Brig. Gen. Matthew Glavy were all in attendance to the change of command ceremony. After the opening drill movements of the ceremony, Glavy addressed the crowd of active duty and retired Marines and civilians. Glavy acknowledged the work Cooper had done as the commanding officer as MAG-31.
“Cooper has led the southern edge of 2nd MAW’s empire brilliantly,” said Glavy. “Being in North Carolina you would think leading Marines down in South Carolina would be difficult. However, with Cooper commanding it was done with ease. Cooper is a brilliant leader and it is hard to see him go.”
Cooper entered the United States Marine Corps in May 1992 after graduating from the U. S. Naval Academy with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Upon completing F/A-18 Hornet transition training with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California in the fall of 1996, Cooper was assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 at MCAS Beaufort. With VMFA (AW)-332, he deployed in support of NATO Operation Allies Force to Tazsar, Hungary, flying combat missions over Serbia and Kosovo.
After attending resident Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia, Cooper reported once again to MCAS Beaufort to join Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 in 2001. While with VMFA-312, he attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and was promoted to major in May 2002. In October 2004, Cooper reported to TOPGUN as an instructor and served as Senior Marine and Assistant Head of the Fighter Weapons School. While at TOPGUN, he was the U.S. Navy Surface-to-air Threat and Counter tactics Subject Matter Expert and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Project Officer.
Cooper has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours. His decorations include three Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal - individual action with combat "V", Air Medal - Strike Flight Award, Joint Commendation Medal, and two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one with combat "V", and various other service and unit awards.
After the Glavy’s remarks, the real ceremony began where Cooper relinquished his duties as commanding officer of MAG-31 to Latt. Per tradition, the sergeant major of MAG-31 takes the MAG Colors and hands them to Cooper. Then Cooper will present the colors to the Latt. Latt will then take the MAG Colors symbolizing the taking of responsibility of MAG-31.
Latt was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer in May 1992 via the Purdue University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps where he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He completed his initial F/A-18 training with the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 Sharpshooters in 1996.
Latt’s operational assignments include Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather) 533 from 1997-2000. Aboard the USS Enterprise in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 from 2008-2009 serving as the Executive Officer. Prior to assuming command of MAG-31, Latt was the commanding officer of VMFA- 312 from 2010 through 2011, and Commanding Officer Headquarters Squadron, MAG- 31 2011 to 2012.
Latt’s personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V”.
“I have nothing but the highest respect and confidence in Latt,” said Cooper. “We were in flight school together, and have known each other for years. For the first time in a decade all six operational squadrons are home, so a lot of work has to be done. However, I know Latt will be able to hit the ground running and take care of business.”
After departing MCAS Beaufort, Cooper will go on to Harvard Business School to attend a competitive course in management as commanded by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

• Date Taken: 02.10.2017
• Date Posted: 02.16.2017 12:47
• Story ID: 223806
• Location: BEAUFORT, SC, US