An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

First JB MDL Marine commander bids farewell

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Denise Johnson
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Marine Aircraft Group 49 Commanding Officer, Col. Christopher J. Papaj, relinquished command to Col. Robert T. Tobin III June 16 here.

Papaj began his tenure as MAG 49's commander in July 2010. He oversaw the group's historical move to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in 2011, effectively integrating the first Marines to join the joint-base family.

Tobin took the reins of this MAG headquarters which "takes great pride in supporting our squadrons that stretch from the Gulf Coast, across the Eastern Seaboard and to the Hudson River," according to the group's unit page on the official Marine website, www.marines.mil/unit/marforres/4thMAW/MAG49/Pages/default.aspx.

The change of command ceremony took place on the tarmac in front of the Marines' aircraft hangar against a backdrop of several aircraft and ground-support vehicles. The Marine Forces Reserve Band New Orleans provided entertainment and music as they paraded in front of guests of honor and attendees.

Commanding general of 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Maj. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, officiated the change of command and presented the Legion of Merit to the outgoing commander. He also presented a certificate to Papaj's wife, Diane, for her generous support of and participation in various morale and welfare programs.

McMillian thanked the JB MDL senior leaders for attending the event. He also greeted attendees before expressing his gratitude for Papaj and his wife. The senior Marine commander closed his comments by welcoming Tobin and his family, expressing confidence in the incoming commander's abilities to accomplish the mission.

McMillian handed the microphone to Papaj, who took center stage for his final commander's address. The outgoing commander acknowledged the support he's received from commanders and mentors - such as McMillian - and from the executive officers and Marines on his staff. He attributed this support and guidance as the key to his success.

"I want to thank you for giving me enough rope to hang myself," Papaj said with a grin. "I appreciate the mentorship and support and the opportunity to be a part of such an outstanding organization."

The MAG 49's eventful recent history, from moving to the joint base; to overseeing the construction of a technologically-advanced "green" headquarters building and hangar; and the subsequent move into that new building, was all conducted under Papaj's leadership. A man who hopes his legacy ensures those who follow can take one step more than those who came before them.

Papaj said he tried to ensure he held true to his philosophy, "If you've done your job right, you'll train those behind you to carry on the right way."

Before Papaj wrapped up his speech, he thanked his wife for taking care of the family when he couldn't be there; and he told his daughter, Julie, "No matter where I was, you were always in my heart and on my mind."

The colonel's final words were for Tobin.

"I couldn't be happier; I couldn't be turning this command over to more capable hands," Papaj said. As colonel looked to colonel, Papaj concluded with a bit of advice, "One: enjoy it; it goes by quick! Two: don't blink..." and the crowd joined the two commanders in a moment of levity.

Tobin, the last speaker, stepped forward and faced the crowd as the newly-appointed commanding officer of MAG 49.

He addressed the challenges that may lay ahead when leading the diverse teams which make up the active, reserve and civilian workforce in MAG 49.

"We have a common thread," he said. "... we are Marines."

Tobin, a naval aviator, was commissioned in 1988 as a second lieutenant. Since then he has earned his wings supporting myriad operations in varied locations such as Operation RESTORE HOPE in both Mogadishu, Somalia in 1992 and Rwanda in 1994. Tobin has also been assigned to a varied list of organizations in his 24-year career including Marine expeditionary units; Marine heavy and medium helicopter squadrons; and an aviation weapons and tactics squadron, to name a few.

Tobin deployed with HMH-462 from January through July 2002. The squadron conducted unprecedented operations in Tinian, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. He also deployed with MAG 16 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003 where he participated in combat operations flying with HMH-462.

The versatile officer moved to MacDill Air Force Base in January 2004, when Tobin received orders to U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida. As the commanding officer of HMH-465, Tobin deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The squadron conducted numerous direct action and assault support missions throughout the Al Anbar Province. The squadron earned the Keith B. McCutcheon Award as the 2007 Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year.

Tobin continued to expand his horizons when in July 2008, he was reassigned to Washington, D.C., as a CMC Fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He assumed the duties of Branch Head, Expeditionary Aviation, in July 2010, working on the Chief of Naval Operations' staff.

Tobin has accrued more than 3,300 hours in tactical aircraft. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars and the Air Medal with five Strike/Flight Awards.

The MAG-49 units, manned by 760 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and active-duty personnel at JB MDL, are part of the 2,200 Marines at seven MAG 49 sites and the 39,600 U.S. Marine Corps Reservists training throughout the United States and participating in real-world operations globally. (Visit the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Flickr page for a complete photo album on the change of command, http://www.flickr.com/photos/jointbasemdl/sets/72157630211332552/)