IWAKUNI, Japan - Col. Christopher J. Mahoney, Marine Aircraft Group 12 commanding officer, hosted a motivational run here for all of MAG-12 and subordinate units, May 24, 2013.
The motivational run had all members of MAG 12 present, which totaled 2,035 Marines.
“To get 2,000 people at one place at one time and look out over all the Marines is really gratifying and motivating,” said Mahoney.
According to Mahoney, the one and only reason MAG-12 exists is for presence and projection of combat power. When Mahoney saw all the Marines of MAG-12 at the run, it was not only motivating to him, but symbolized something a little different.
“It’s important to me to see all the squadrons next to each other and to see the combat power that represents,” said Mahoney.
Throughout 26 years of service, Mahoney deployed to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the Philippines, Korea and more.
It’s inevitable Marines deploy, but nothing had an impact on Mahoney like watching his junior Marines deploy, adapt and get their job done.
“The younger Marines get taken away from their friends, family, home and language they know how to speak. Then get put in a foreign country,” said Mahoney. “The way they adapt, and put their shoulder to the wheel to produce that combat power is stunning.”
Mahoney wants his Marines to know what kind of impact they have on world, and to always remember it.
“If they remember anything from their time at MAG-12, remember they had an effect,” said Mahoney. “Remember their presence and ability to push metal into the sky, and perform aviation ground support in the manner that they do it, scares people. It scares the people we want to be scared.”
Sgt. Cristhian Santana, MAG-12 Headquarters administrative chief, was not only motivated by the run but by seeing all of the MAG-12 squadrons come together.
“It showed what the CO was actually trying to portray while he spent his time out here,” said Santana. “It showed combat power and the unit readiness that we can all get together and move at a moment’s notice.”
Mahoney showed leadership through his actions and portrayed that to his Marines by leading from the front and interacting with them as a leader.
“I’ll go anywhere with him,” said Santana. “He’s the person you want in the front calling the shots. He’s always thinking in the mind of the Marines, and considers what the outcome will be.”