Marine Squadron Commander Relieved in Okinawa Leadership Shift
The commanding officer of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, based in Okinawa, Japan, was relieved of command on November 17, according to a report published by Military Times under the title, “Commanding officer of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 fired.” The publication cited disciplinary action tied to a “loss of trust and confidence in his ability to continue commanding,” as confirmed by a spokesperson from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
Lt. Col. Jonathan Posey, who had served in the role since June 2022, was relieved of his duties by Col. Nathan Marvel, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 36. Officials have not publicly disclosed specific details about the decision but emphasized that the move aligns with the Marine Corps’ broader commitment to leadership accountability.
Posey’s dismissal follows an administrative investigation whose findings have not been publicly released. In response to inquiries, Marine officials declined to share whether the decision stemmed from any legal infractions or misconduct, citing privacy regulations that restrict the disclosure of personnel matters.
Lt. Col. Posey has been temporarily reassigned to duties within 1st Marine Aircraft Wing headquarters while the unit transitions to new leadership. Marine Corps officials announced that Lt. Col. Eric M. Purcell has assumed command of Aviation Logistics Squadron 36.
Posey’s removal adds to a pattern of high-level military leadership changes prompted by concerns over command climate, trust, and performance. While the Marine Corps has not indicated any systemic issues within MAG-36, the swift leadership shift underscores the service’s emphasis on operational integrity and oversight, particularly in forward-deployed units.
Situated at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 plays a pivotal role in supporting operational readiness for air assets across the Indo-Pacific region. The squadron provides maintenance, logistics, and supply services essential to the effectiveness of Marine Aircraft Group 36.
Command reliefs in the U.S. military—while not unheard of—remain significant markers of institutional response to internal challenges, often reflecting a service’s intent to uphold the highest standards of leadership and accountability. The nature of Posey’s removal, while still partially opaque, aligns with those principles, according to statements from Marine Corps officials.
As of this report, the Marine Corps has not indicated whether any further action or investigation is pending regarding Posey’s tenure or the circumstances surrounding his removal.
