The commanding officer of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, based in Okinawa, Japan, was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. According to an official Marine Corps announcement, Lt. Col. Calischaran G. James was dismissed by Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, the commanding general of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, due to a “loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command.” This phrase is frequently used by military services to justify the removal of senior leaders.
The Marine Corps has not provided additional details regarding the specific reasons behind the dismissal as of the latest updates. “Commanders are held to the highest standards of conduct and must consistently live above reproach,” stated Maj. Joseph Butterfield, a spokesman for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. “This decision reflects the Marine Corps’ dedication to upholding the trust and confidence that are essential for effective leadership.”
Lt. Col. James, originally from the Caribbean island of Dominica, joined the Marine Corps in 1998. He was commissioned as an officer in 2006 after completing the Enlisted Commissioning Program. In 2020, he received the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Earle Hattaway Ground Officer of the Year Award. He assumed command of MALS-36 in May 2024.
In the wake of James’ dismissal, Lt. Col. Ryan T. Iden has been appointed as the interim commanding officer until a permanent replacement is selected. Iden enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1997 as an infantryman, achieving the rank of gunnery sergeant before earning his commission in 2008.
Context of Dismissals in Marine Corps
James’ removal comes shortly after a wave of leadership changes within the Marine Corps. On October 28, 2023, the commanding officer, executive officer, and senior enlisted leader of the Hawaii-based Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 were dismissed for similar reasons. Their removal was attributed to a “loss of trust” concerning their ability to enforce safety and readiness standards.
These recent firings indicate a significant shift within the Marine Corps, highlighting the organization’s commitment to maintaining leadership accountability and operational effectiveness. As the Marine Corps continues to navigate these changes, maintaining high standards of trust and confidence among its leadership remains a priority.
