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Major Gen. Gary L. Thomas gives remarks following an assumption of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 7, 2015. Thomas is the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Photo by Pfc. Nicholas Baird

Thomas assumes command of 2nd MAW

7 Aug 2015 | Pfc. Nicholas P. Baird 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

 Major Gen. Gary L. Thomas accepted command of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing from Brig. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr. during an assumption of command ceremony here, Aug. 7.

“Hedelund, Rock and Thomas: As the (Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general), that is music to my ears,” said Maj. Gen. William D. Beydler, commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa. “That is secure leadership from start to finish. Marines and Sailors of this organization have been blessed with superior, sustained leadership. I could not be more pleased.”

Thomas served as the assistant wing commander for 2nd MAW and assistant deputy commandant for aviation prior to assuming his current post as commanding general.

During the ceremony, Thomas expressed his regard for the 16,500 Marines and Sailors who embody the wing’s 51 commands based throughout the Carolinas, and deployed around the world.

 “Over the years, the Marines and Sailors of 2nd MAW have established a very high standard of aviation stability,” said Thomas. “The 2nd Marine Aircraft wing has developed a reputation as an outstanding warfighting organization. It is a tremendous privilege to me to be given the opportunity to command this wing.”

Rock assumed command as the interim commanding general, June 2015. He is slated to continue his career as the director of policy and strategy at United States Southern Command in Miami, Florida.


2nd Marine Aircraft Wing