Photo By Lance Cpl. Kenneth Garcia | A name placard sits on the desk of U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Adam Dominguez, Motor...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan – Leadership rooted in both compassion and accountability has become the foundation of mission success for Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, where senior enlisted leaders emphasize initiative and performance over simple compliance.
Master Sgt. Adam Dominguez, a motor transportation chief with MWSS-171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, describes his leadership style as compassionate yet firm. “I try to come off as an understanding person,” Dominguez said. “I remember as a private first class, lance corporal, when I made a mistake and I remember the additional information those Marines need in order to accomplish the mission.” At the same time, Dominguez believes direct correction is essential, even when it is uncomfortable. “In the long run, you’re helping them out.”
His approach to leadership has been shaped by years of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges junior Marines face. By remembering his own early mistakes and addressing issues directly, Dominguez focuses on correcting deficiencies while developing Marines into confident, capable leaders prepared to operate independently. A big priority for Dominguez is ensuring Marines understand the intent behind a task rather than simply following instructions. Dominguez further developed his leadership and knowledge through the Master Instructor Program at Marine Corps Combat Service Support School, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He believes this approach enables Marines to think critically and act independently when conditions change.
Supervision, Dominguez explains, is measured by results, not assumptions. “It’s not somebody saying, yeah I can do that,” Dominguez said, “It’s, show me you can do that.” Whether evaluating a Marine’s ability to operate equipment or complete a qualification, he emphasizes demonstrated performance as proof of readiness. This results in a driven mindset within a Marine and reinforces accountability across the squadron that ensures tasks are fully accomplished to the standard.
In MWSS-171's high tempo aviation support environment, Dominguez encourages junior Marines and noncommissioned officers to anticipate requirements and think several steps ahead. “If you can be three or four steps ahead, that mitigates a lot of the friction,” Dominguez said. By reframing common frustrations such as last-minute changes or delayed timelines as opportunities for leadership, he challenges Marines to take initiative instead of waiting for direction.
Ultimately, Dominguez measures his success not by personal recognition, but by the long-term readiness of the Marines he mentors. “If a Marine leader leaves a unit and it crumbles, that means you built the unit off yourself,” Dominguez said. “What I’m trying to do is build it off of them.” Through a combination of compassion, accountability and deliberate mentorship, he aims to leave behind a unit that continues to succeed long after his departure. Marines prepared not only to accomplish the mission today, but to strengthen the Marine Corps of tomorrow.
The impact of leadership is often measured not by rank, but by how effective it develops those entrusted to carry out a mission. For Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, the leadership of Master Sgt. Adam Dominguez is reflected in the initiative and confidence demonstrated by his Marines.
For Cpl. Jimmy Molina, a motor vehicle operator with the motor transportation section of MWSS – 171, and a native of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Describes Dominguez leadership style as “very honest and direct.” Molina explained that Dominguez does not avoid difficult conversation or soften expectations. “He won’t beat around the truth,” Molina said. “If he has a point that he wants to get across, he’ll lean into it and completely squash it. That directness reinforces accountability while eliminating ambiguity in high-tempo operations.” Molina explained.
Molina recalled a recent instance while preparing vehicles for a training evolution to Fuji, when Dominguez assessed that readiness levels did not meet his expectations. Rather than accept partial effort and completion. Dominguez made it clear standards will be met, “He told us if we have to, we’ll stay till 10:00 p.m. until this stuff gets done.” Molina said. The message was to not underscore the importance of initiative and personal responsibility in ensuring mission success.
Beyond enforcing standards, Molina says Dominguez fosters an environment where Marines feel empowered to act decisively. “With him it’s more like, make it happen and just get it done.” Molina said. Constating it with previous leadership styles that required seeking permission before taking action. That expectation to let your Marines think ahead and have them exercise their problem-solving skills strengthens Molina’s own decision making and reinforces the understanding of the bigger picture. “His speeches are different,” Molina said. “He’ll remind you that you have a mission. At the end of the day, you signed the contract. When we get called, we got to go.”
Molina says the steady direction Dominguez provides continues to shape the shop’s tempo and focus every day. “He’s the man that comes down and redirects us,” Molina said. When morale dips or priorities become unclear, Dominguez reinforces expectations and realigns the team with the mission. Through firm guidance, clear intent and empowered execution, Dominguez’s leadership is reflected in Marines like Molina.
| Date Taken: | 02.09.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.08.2026 20:18 |
| Story ID: | 558651 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP |
| Hometown: | WATERTOWN, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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