3rd MAW sergeant major passes the sword

Photo By Lance Cpl. Clare McIntire | Sgt. Maj. James K. Porterfield, left, sergeant major of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, returns the noncommissioned officer sword to Maj. Gen. Mark R. Wise, commanding general of 3rd MAW, signifying relinquishing of his post during his relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., April 20. Porterfield served as the sergeant major since May 2016. His next post will be the I Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Clare McIntire/ Released)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, UNITED STATES

04.20.2018

Story by Cpl. Jacob Pruitt 

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Marines, Sailors, distinguished guests and loved ones gathered on the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 20, for the relief and appointment ceremony for Sgt. Maj. James K. Porterfield and Sgt. Maj. Peter A. Siaw.

Porterfield assumed his post as the 3rd MAW sergeant major in May 2016 and oversaw 18,000 Marines and 45 subordinate sergeants major.

“I couldn't have gotten to this part of my career without the sergeants major of the Marine air groups and the squadron sergeants major and master gunnery sergeants,” said Porterfield. “The Marines and Sailors of 3rd MAW work with a skill and expertise that is unmatched.”

Upon relieving Porterfield of his post, Maj. Gen. Mark R. Wise, 3rd MAW commanding general, presented Porterfield with the Legion of Merit, gold star in lieu of second award, for his outstanding leadership, meritorious conduct and service during his time with 3rd MAW.

“I could not have asked for a better sergeant major,” said Wise. “Over the course of a career, you will get the opportunity to work with a lot of sergeants major, but rarely you will get to serve with extraordinary sergeants major and that’s what I have had here with Sgt. Maj. Porterfield.”

Siaw comes to the 3rd MAW with previously wing experience as the sergeant major for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, from December 2007 through September 2009. He assumed the post of 3rd MAW sergeant major following his duties as the sergeant major for Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley Butler, Okinawa, Japan.

“I am proud and humbled to be back here at 3rd MAW,” said Siaw. “The MAW is legendary in its operational abilities. The standard has been set by Sgt. Maj. Porterfield, and we are blessed to have his leadership as he moves forward to I Marine Expeditionary Force.”

• Date Taken: 04.20.2018
• Date Posted: 04.26.2018 19:58
• Story ID: 274711
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US