The commanding officer of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, based in Okinawa, Japan, was dismissed on October 25, 2023. Lt. Col. Calischaran G. James was relieved of his duties by Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, the commanding general of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The official statement cited a “loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command” as the reason for the dismissal. This phrase is commonly used in military contexts when senior leadership is removed from their positions.
As of the time of this report, additional details regarding the circumstances of James’ dismissal had not been disclosed. Maj. Joseph Butterfield, a spokesman for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, emphasized that commanders are held to the highest standards of conduct, stating, “Commanders are held to the highest standards of conduct and must consistently live above reproach.” He added that this decision reflects the Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining the trust and confidence necessary for effective leadership.
Lt. Col. Calischaran G. James has a notable military background, having enlisted in 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, underscoring his distinguished service. James took command of MALS-36 in May 2024.
In the interim, Lt. Col. Ryan T. Iden will serve as the acting commanding officer until a permanent replacement is appointed. Iden, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1997 as an infantryman, advanced to the rank of gunnery sergeant before earning his commission in 2008.
James’ dismissal follows a series of recent 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 also relieved of duty due to a similar “loss of trust” in their ability to enforce safety and readiness standards.
These leadership changes reflect a broader effort within the Marine Corps to ensure the highest standards of command and operational effectiveness. As the military navigates these transitions, the emphasis on accountability and leadership integrity remains paramount.
