MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Lt. Col. Douglas S. Kurth relinquished command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, to Lt. Col. Hunter H. Hobson during a change of command ceremony May 26 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Under Kurth’s command, VMFA-232 successfully made the transformation into carrier-based operations under the Tactical Air Integration plan.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the way the Marines and sailors performed over the past 22 months,” said Kurth. “They exceeded my goals and expectations. The Red Devils are poised to set the standard for carrier aviation.”
Under Kurth’s command in theater, the unit had no ground, or flight-related mishaps during the transition from expeditionary to shipboard operations.
Kurth continued to display imaginative and cost-effective guidance as he pushed for the entire squadron to support the Weapons Tactics Instructor course Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.
“Lt. Col Kurth’s positive impact has set the foundation for the Marines and sailors of the Red Devils to continue to improve and excel as a carrier-based squadron while maintaining their expeditionary heritage,” said Sgt. Maj. Sandra Torres-Pintos, sergeant major, VMFA-232. “We are looking forward to carrying on these traits with our new leadership coming in.”
After graduating from Illinois State University in May of 1989, Hobson received his commission in the Marine Corps.
Hobson was selected to join the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron in Pensacola, Fla. in September of 1999. Hobson performed in 74 air shows throughout North America for over two years.
Hobson rejoined the “Death Rattlers” in November 2003 and served as the squadron operations officer and executive officer during a six-month, around-the-world deployment aboard the USS Carl Vinson.
During his deployment Hobson flew combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Persian Gulf.
Hobson’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with a gold star, Air Medal with three strike/flight awards, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
“VMFA-232 has an amazing history and has a proven record in combat,” said Hobson. “I am excited and honored to lead the ‘Red Devils’ and look forward to the challenges and successes that lie ahead as we prepare for and execute another successful combat deployment.”