Released by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake Public Affairs Office –

By Susan Read

According to Marion F. Sturkey, author of Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines, the Marine non-commissioned officer (NCO) is the corporal or sergeant responsible for the lives of their men in combat -- leaders of men, but also much more. “They carry with them the unbroken traditions of duty and dedication to their assigned mission,” writes Sturkey, and on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 those traditions were upheld once again with the promotion of Lance Corporal Randy V. Chappell.

Members of the Marine Aviation Detachment (MAD), China Lake/Point Mugu, California gathered in the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE (VX-9) Ready Room as Colonel Mark Bamberger, MAD Commanding Officer, outlined how NCOs are chosen. “The reason we pick NCOs is because of their leadership. They must be technically proficient, and physically and emotionally prepared for the rigors of combat.” He listed the fundamental characteristics of NCOs as integrity, loyalty, and the moral courage and honesty that are critical in all aspects of leadership both on and off duty. “They are leaders on the flight line, on the flight deck and in Iraq and Afghanistan conducting current operations,” Bamberger said, “responsible for the morale, discipline and efficiency of their men and women, and their performance directly reflects on the NCO.”

Bamberger said it was an honor to promote Chappell, who enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August 2003. A native of Midland, Texas, Chappell completed recruit training at MCRD San Diego and completed Marine combat training at Camp Pendleton, California in December 2003. He remained at Camp Pendleton for military occupational specialty training on the UH-1N Huey and AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters. Private Chappell was promoted to Private First Class in February 2004.

Private First Class Chappell reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169 in March 2004. He deployed with his unit to support Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 in August 2004. While in Al Asad, Iraq, he became an AH-1W Plane Captain and was sent to a forward operating base in Najaf, Iraq where he was promoted to Lance Corporal. He arrived at VX-9 in July 2005.

On the occasion of his meritorious promotion, Corporal Chappell chose Sergeant Zachary Marks and Staff Sergeant Brent Leatherman of VX-9 to pin on the insignia of his new rank. He thanked the assembled members of the detachment for their support, including Marks, Leatherman and First Sergeant Rocquemore who helped prepare him for the role and responsibilities of an NCO. “I have some big shoes to fill, and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead” Chappell acknowledged.

On behalf of the MAD, Bamberger presented Chappell with the Handbook for Marine NCOs, Corporal chevrons, and the red NCO trouser stripe to acknowledge the significance of the meritorious selection. Bamberger ended the ceremony with advice for Corporal Chappell. “We’re going to see great things from you. Take care of your Marines and you and your unit will successfully meet any challenge that comes your way.”

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PHOTO CUTLINE: Colonel Mark Bamberger, left, Commanding Officer, Marine Aviation Detachment China Lake/Point Mugu, California congratulates Corporal Randy Chappell on his promotion. Photo by Desiree Jones, NAVAIR Weapons Division PAO