Recent deployment of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group highlighted missions, capabilities

A: I lost confidence in Col. Biehl’s ability to lead the squadron. I’m not going to go into the specifics of his action that led to his relief. But I talked to Gen. (John) Toolan about it, and he was relieved for that reason.

Q: Were there any mishaps involving HMM-364?


Q: The Navy has been firing officers left and right for several years. Now the Marines have canned at least half a dozen commanders in recent months. Why is the Corps getting more strict? Because of downsizing, or recent scandals that tarnished the Corps?

A: For commanders, the standard has always been that we are beyond reproach. We provide the best leadership to the men and women of our country. When we fail to live up to that expectation, based on the scandals and other things, there is less tolerance for a “boys will be boys” attitude. And in today’s world of instant communications, when a problem happens that information travels at the speed of heat. There are a lot of dynamics at play here with problems all the services have had with conduct.

Q: The 15th MEU was the last to deploy with the CH-46 Battle Phrog. What does its replacement, the MV-22 Osprey, do for the MEU?


Q: This summer the Marine Corps plans to test the Osprey as an aerial refueler for other aircraft such as fighter jets. How would that boost operations?

A: That would provide me more options for keeping my jets airborne longer over a potential crisis, by using multiple aircraft, both C-130s and Ospreys (as fuel tankers.)




