MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Jpn -- U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Joseph S. Gregory was appointed sergeant major of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni during a post ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, March 30, 2018.
Marines, sailors and other station personnel gathered in the base theater to see Gregory appointed and to get a first glimpse of the new station sergeant major. Gregory came from 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment where he served as the inspector-instructor sergeant major from June 2015 to March 2018.
Gregory moved to MCAS Iwakuni with his wife and three children and expressed his excitement for their future at the air station.
“I am pretty excited about being stationed at Iwakuni,” said Gregory. “This is my first time being stationed overseas after 27 years in the Marine Corps so this will be an interesting tour for me.”
Gregory’s personal awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Air Medal with 9th strike flight, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars.
Gregory offered words of advice and stated his expectations for service members now under his charge.
“Be professional and courteous,” said Gregory. “By your example, the Marine Corps will look top notch in the eye of the Japanese public, and we will continue to foster relationships with them.”
After passing the sword of office to Gregory, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard F. Fuerst, commanding officer of MCAS Iwakuni, expressed his expectations and ambitions for the new station sergeant major and stressed the importance of Gregory’s position.
“The sergeant major billet to me is one of the most, if not the most, important billet in any command,” said Fuerst. “You’re the senior enlisted leader of that command and you provide sound advice to the commander. You’re in charge of Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen, civilians and Japanese nationals. It’s very dynamic. It’s an important time, so we need you Sgt. Maj. Gregory. We’re glad you’re here and I’m looking forward to working with you.”