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Command Biography

MALS-14 Executive Officer
Major W. Alexander Switzer

Major Switzer enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego in 2000.  PFC Switzer was later assigned to VMAQ-4 as a Powerline Mechanic.  While serving at VMAQ-4, he earned Plane Captain, CDI, CDQAR, QAR, Low-Power Turn, and Aircraft Confined Space Entry Authority qualifications.  He deployed to: PSAB Saudi Arabia in 2002 in support of Operation Southern Watch; Iwakuni, Japan in 2004; Talil and Al Asad, Iraq in 2004-2005; and to Iwakuni, Japan in 2007.

Sergeant Switzer was selected to become an instructor for EA-6B Powerplants and Related Systems at CNATTU Whidbey Island in April of 2007.  While instructing at CNATTU, SSgt Switzer was qualified to instruct EA-6B Powerplants and Related Systems for both, Initial and Career levels, Aircraft Confined Space Entry Authority, and Low-Power Turn class in the Simulator.  He was also qualified as a member of the Base Auxiliary Security Force and was the Regional Military Funeral Honors Program Director for a four-county area.

SSgt Switzer was selected for MECEP in May of 2008, attended MECEP Preparatory Course that summer, then began classes at The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in August of 2008.  GySgt Switzer graduated with a double major in Psychology and History in August of 2011. 2nd Lt Switzer graduated TBS in March of 2012 and then attended AMO School at Whiting Field.

2nd Lt Switzer attached to MALS-12 in July of 2012 and held the billets of Airframes/ALSS, and GSE Division Officer.  Here he served as the MALS-12 Det OIC for Cobra Gold 2013 and Forager Fury 2013.

1st Lt Switzer attached to VMFA(AW)-242 in April of 2014 and held the Billets of Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Maintenance Material Control Officer, and Material Control Officer.  He deployed to Guam, Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines during this tour. 1st Lt Switzer completed Expeditionary Warfare School in 2015 and volunteered to facilitate the Career Benefits and Educational Opportunities Class at Corporal’s Course for two years.  Here he was recognized with the 2015 MCAA (1st MAW) Aviation Ground Officer of the Year Award.

1st Lt Switzer attached to MALS-31 in July of 2015 and held the Billets of Airframes/ALSS Divisions Officer.  As a newly promoted Captain in February of 2016, he took over as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer for MALS-31.  In 2018, he was selected for the Advanced Degree Program.

Captain Switzer attached to 23rd Weapons Battalion (I&I Austin) in July of 2018 and started classes at Texas A&M University in pursuit of a MS in Curriculum & Instruction. Captain Switzer graduated in May of 2020 with a 4.0 GPA and the Education Department’s 2020 Distinguished Honor Graduate Award.

Captain Switzer attached to TRNGCMD, MCB Quantico in July of 2020 as the Deputy Director & Operations Officer for Train the Trainer School. After the departure of his immediate supervisor in February of 2022, Major Switzer assumed all duties and responsibilities as the Assistant Chief of Staff / G-7 & the Director for Train the Trainer School, which he and his team would overhaul into the new Marine Corps Center for Learning and Faculty Development (MCCLFD). He graduated from Command & Staff College in May of 2022.

Major Switzer attached to MALS-14 in May of 2023 as the Operations Officer.  On 4 June 2024, he took over as Executive Officer.

Tags
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing