thedrifter
06-29-07, 06:38 AM
MAG-26 welcomes new boss
CHRISSY VICK
June 29, 2007 - 12:00AM
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Col. David "Irish" Mollahan has been through a lot with the Marines of Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
He joined MAG-26 as the commanding officer while deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, in August 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During that time, he said his Marines impressed him daily with what they could do.
"They truly are the very best this country has to offer," Mollahan said Thursday afternoon on the flightline as he handed the reins to a new commanding officer. "They will accomplish missions no one else can."
Mollahan passed the flag to Col. Steven Rudder of U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla., in a ceremony aboard the New River Air Station.
"The challenges ahead are pretty significant," Mollahan said to Rudder.
Marines with MAG-26 have participated in numerous deployments to Iraq in support of II Marine Expeditionary Force and to the Horn of Africa. The group is composed of 12 units, including the three MV-22 Osprey squadrons, all of whichMollahan has overseen since their inception.
"I have nothing but the utmost respect for each and every one of you," he said to the squadron commanders. "I love you like adopted sons."
Mollahan, who will become the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., thanked everyone who makes up MAG-26, saying he was proud to have worked with them.
"It has truly, truly been a professional honor to serve with each and every one of you," he said.
He also recognized the support from his family, including his wife Ingrid and two sons, Lt. Sean Mollahan, a sailor, and 1st Lt. Kellen Mollahan, a Marine.
Maj. Gen. Kenneth Glueck Jr. of 2nd MAW, the aviation component to II MEF, commended Mollahan for doing a superb job with MAG-26 and for "holding just about every position you can hold here."
Mollahan was awarded the Legion of Merit for his time with the unit during the change of command ceremony.
Rudder said Mollahan had "done a tremendous job" and "set the bar high," but that he was ready for the challenge.
Since being assigned to U.S. Central Command in July 2004, Rudder served as the lead planner for Afghanistan and regional War on Terror activities for central and south Asia. He deployed to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during that time.
He said he was thankful "to be back home to North Carolina" and eager to begin the new command position with MAG-26.
"Miracles happen inside these hangars," he said, praising the MAG-26 Marines. "We're all integrated. We're really a close-knit family here."
Contact staff writer Chrissy Vick at cvick@freedomenc.com or by calling 353-1171, ext. 8466.
Ellie
CHRISSY VICK
June 29, 2007 - 12:00AM
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Col. David "Irish" Mollahan has been through a lot with the Marines of Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
He joined MAG-26 as the commanding officer while deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, in August 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During that time, he said his Marines impressed him daily with what they could do.
"They truly are the very best this country has to offer," Mollahan said Thursday afternoon on the flightline as he handed the reins to a new commanding officer. "They will accomplish missions no one else can."
Mollahan passed the flag to Col. Steven Rudder of U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla., in a ceremony aboard the New River Air Station.
"The challenges ahead are pretty significant," Mollahan said to Rudder.
Marines with MAG-26 have participated in numerous deployments to Iraq in support of II Marine Expeditionary Force and to the Horn of Africa. The group is composed of 12 units, including the three MV-22 Osprey squadrons, all of whichMollahan has overseen since their inception.
"I have nothing but the utmost respect for each and every one of you," he said to the squadron commanders. "I love you like adopted sons."
Mollahan, who will become the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., thanked everyone who makes up MAG-26, saying he was proud to have worked with them.
"It has truly, truly been a professional honor to serve with each and every one of you," he said.
He also recognized the support from his family, including his wife Ingrid and two sons, Lt. Sean Mollahan, a sailor, and 1st Lt. Kellen Mollahan, a Marine.
Maj. Gen. Kenneth Glueck Jr. of 2nd MAW, the aviation component to II MEF, commended Mollahan for doing a superb job with MAG-26 and for "holding just about every position you can hold here."
Mollahan was awarded the Legion of Merit for his time with the unit during the change of command ceremony.
Rudder said Mollahan had "done a tremendous job" and "set the bar high," but that he was ready for the challenge.
Since being assigned to U.S. Central Command in July 2004, Rudder served as the lead planner for Afghanistan and regional War on Terror activities for central and south Asia. He deployed to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during that time.
He said he was thankful "to be back home to North Carolina" and eager to begin the new command position with MAG-26.
"Miracles happen inside these hangars," he said, praising the MAG-26 Marines. "We're all integrated. We're really a close-knit family here."
Contact staff writer Chrissy Vick at cvick@freedomenc.com or by calling 353-1171, ext. 8466.
Ellie