Photo By Sgt. Uriel Avendano | Gen. Joseph Dunford, 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps, makes a stop at the F-35B...... read more read more
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YUMA, Ariz. - Gen. Joseph Dunford, 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps, paid a visit to the Marines and sailors aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Monday, Feb. 9, 2015.
"This is a place that has it all. It's got the operating forces, it's got the supporting establishment and it's got the training establishment. That's why MCAS Yuma is important,” said Dunford, a native of Boston.
To kick start his day at MCAS Yuma, Dunford made a stop at the Marksmanship Training Unit facility to speak with graduates of Corporal’s Course on the issues pertaining to the current and future state of the Marine Corps.
“His visit shows us that our new commandant cares. He’s talking to his Marines and getting our input on where the Marine Corps should go,” said Cpl. Derek Simon, a flight equipment technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 and class commander. “I know he’s got to be busy, so for him to take the time to come talk to us – asking corporals, staff noncommissioned officers, everyone – for their opinion, really means a lot.”
The all-encompassing dialogue included topics like the future of the F-35B Lighting II, the importance of today’s NCO, career opportunities and what the coming years will mean for mission readiness.
“My sense is that there will be additional opportunities in the future to re-enlist; but I can also tell you that we’re not going to change the screening process. We’re only going to be as big as we can maintain a high quality force,” said Dunford. “This isn’t about getting bigger, it’s about getting better.”
After fielding questions from the class, Dunford continued his tour of MCAS Yuma. A luncheon with senior leadership preceded his visit to the home of the F-35B, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121.
“What we need to do right now is make sure Marines are engaged and thinking about how we can actually exploit the potential of the F-35’s capability. What you’re dealing with is not just a better F-18 or a better Harrier. It’s a completely different capability,” said Dunford. “Frankly, in some ways, the limit of our employment of those capabilities is the limit of our own imagination.”
For Dunford, getting the perspective from the junior enlisted Marines was imperative as he began his visit to VMFA-121. A question-and-answer session followed, in which the commandant addressed the significance of the Green Knight’s contribution to the air combat element of aviation warfare.
“When we put a squadron out the door, that squadron’s got to be well trained; it’s got to be ready to go. When they go in harm’s way, all of the Marines and sailors need to have the wherewithal to accomplish the mission,” said Dunford. “All the lessons learned from 121 are going to carry over into the next squadron and the next.”
A sense of confidence, appreciation for and pride in the Marines around him was the impression left by the commandant’s visit to MCAS Yuma. At a time when uncertainty in the future holds the mind’s eye of the individual Marine, Dunford instills the renewed conviction of an ever-adapting Corps.
“Whether you’re a corporal, or a sergeant, or a general, it doesn’t matter – it’s your Marine Corps and you have as much a responsibility to make sure the Marine Corps of tomorrow is as good as the Marine Corps of today,” said Dunford. “So that’s what we’re going to do. I look forward to working together over these next couple of years.”
| Date Taken: | 02.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 02.10.2015 15:15 |
| Story ID: | 154129 |
| Location: | YUMA, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Hometown: | YUMA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 352 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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