Second Aviation Community Commander To Be Fired This Year

The commander of a Marine Corps aviation unit has been relieved of command for the second time this year.

The Marine Corps Times reports that Lt. Col. Armando Gonzalez (pictured in Marine Corps photo) was relieved of command of the Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. A spokesperson for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said Lt. Col. Gonzalez was relieved last Thursday "due to a loss of confidence."

The spokesperson, Capt. Melanie Salinas, did not give any further details about the reason for the action, but the Marine Corps Times reports that a climate survey led to an investigation which found Gonzalez allegedly created a work environment so hostile that three officers he commanded decided to leave the Marine Corps. A civilian working for the squadron also quit, according to the report.

Maj. Andrew Kano, the squadron's former executive officer, is currently commanding the unit.

Gonzalez’' removal follows the firing of the commander of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 based in Hawaii in January. That removal happened three days before two CH-53E helicopters collided off Oahu resulting in the fatal injury of 12 marines. Senior officials said that CO did not keep his squadron operating at acceptable standards.

(U.S. Marine Corps image)

FMI: www.marines.mil