MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa, Japan -- Maj. Gen. William D. Beydler relinquished command of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing to Brig. Gen. Christopher S. Owens at a change of command ceremony here June 22.
Beydler commanded 1st MAW since June 2010 and will become the director, J-5, strategic plans and policy, U.S. Central Command.
“This is a very satisfying day for me,” said Beydler. “To the Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, I thank you – I sincerely thank you for all you have done to keep us ready. We were able to fight today’s crisis, with today’s forces today because of your hard work.”
Owens previously served as the deputy commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force since July 2010.
“My family and I are very excited to be here,” said Owens. “I am impressed with what I have seen since I have been here, and I am mindful of the challenges we face in the months to come.”
Owens plans to continue along the path paved by Beydler in previous years.
“I am confident the team that Maj. Gen. Beydler has put together is ready, and will remain ready for any tasking the nation calls upon us to undertake,” he said. “We will uphold the standards that the Corps demands.”
During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, explained the pride and trust he has in both Owens and Beydler.
“I have had the privilege to work with both of these gentlemen in the past, and I have complete trust and faith that they will continue to carry out their missions successfully,” said Glueck. “I am extremely pleased in all that Maj. Gen. Beydler has done here as commander of 1st MAW. I would like to bid him fair winds and following seas, and I look forward to working with Brig. Gen. Owens.”
The day prior to the ceremony, Beydler piloted an F/A-18D Hornet during his final flight at MCAS Futenma.
“I want to leave you all with three things – readiness, standards and core values,” said Beydler.