MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Sgt. Maj. Marquis L. Young took the sword of office as station sergeant major of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in an appointment ceremony at the air station, Feb. 3, 2023.

Young arrived to MCAS Miramar after completing his third tour of recruiting duty at 9th Marine Corps District, Western Recruiting Region, where he served as the district sergeant major.

Young’s predecessor, Sgt. Maj. Jason R. Cain, retired Dec. 2, 2022, with 29 years of service. Sgt. Maj. Lacey J. Lewis, the sergeant major for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at MCAS Miramar, served as acting station sergeant major for the air station until Young’s arrival.

In Cain’s stead, Col. Thomas M. Bedell, the commanding officer of MCAS Miramar, presented Young with the Noncommissioned Officer Sword. The exchanged sword symbolizes the transfer of sacred trust from one sergeant major to the next.

During the ceremony, Bedell gave a speech that touched on the importance of the sergeant major role.

“It’s training, it’s mentoring, it’s counseling,” said Bedell. “Having said that, I’m so incredibly excited and grateful, having sergeant major Young walk through the door with the incredible energy and enthusiasm that he has. It feels like I got a superpower now. It feels like I got some wings, and I’m really excited to see where we’re going to get in the next 18 months, side-by-side with him.”

Young spoke about his experiences so far as the station sergeant major, stating that he has been humbled by the sheer amount of effort that the commanding officer and Miramar Marines have put into improving the air station.

Young stated that he is ready to take part in the station’s command so that he and Bedell can leave MCAS Miramar better than when they arrived.

“The responsibilities are vast, and it has helped re-energize me,” said Young. “I’m super motivated to be able to take on those responsibilities.”

Young embarks on his tour as MCAS Miramar sergeant major with a history of contributions to the Marine Corps mission and a track record of accomplishment since enlisting on July 13, 1998. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars in lieu of a fourth award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars in lieu of a fourth award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star in lieu of a second award. His service also includes a combat deployment to Iraq in 2008 as the company gunnery sergeant with Detachment A, Marine Wing Communication Squadron 28.