IWAKUNI, Japan - Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 said farewell to its outgoing commanding officer and welcomed its new commander in a change-of-command ceremony at the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 hangar here June 12, 2012.
Lt. Col. Charles A. Redden, outgoing C.O. relinquished command to Lt. Col. Michael Gonzalez, oncoming C.O. Redden’s illustrious career stretches across nearly 20 years within the Marine Corps, with stops in MALS-14, MALS-11 and a myriad of other places in between.
Redden was regarded with high esteem by his subordinates and leaders, in particular, Col. Christopher J. Mahoney, Marine Aircraft Group 12 C.O., who remarked on the correlation of Redden's deliberate pacing and interaction with his fellow officers and staff non-commissioned officers. He attributes this to Redden’s willingness to be involved with his command.
“You’ve got a command here that is leaving behind a tremendous product,” said Mahoney. “It is not by mistake. It is not by happenstance. It is by deliberate planning, engaged leadership and following up on all results.”
The evidence to support Mahoney’s claim of Redden’s ability to galvanize and make MALS-12 mission ready was supported by Mahoney pointing to several F-18s on the flightline.
“That is the meaning of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12,” said Mahoney. “It is also our strength.”
Addressing him personally, Mahoney said Redden was able to accomplish this with the “four Ps:” people, program, planes and performance.
“You knocked it out of the ball park, Charlie, on all four components,” said Mahoney.
Though Redden was being recognized for his endeavors as MALS-12 C.O., he acknowledged those who helped him accomplish the squadron’s mission, from senior ranking officers to the Marines under his charge.
“To the officers and staff NCOs of MALS, this is not about me today, this is what we at MALS do,” said Redden. “I’ve been blessed with tremendous officers and staff NCOs here, who are not afraid to think outside the box and be creative. We cannot overnight things easily out here. We have to think well in advance to mitigate future problems. Thank you very much for all your efforts.”
Redden turned and thanked MALS-12 personally for its hard work and how they will continue to set the example with Gonzalez.
“Thank you for all your hard work these last two years,” said Redden. “You all set the example, met every challenge and defeated every challenge. I know you’ll continue to do so with the same with (Lt. Col.) Gonzalez and thank you for all your hard work.”