MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Colonel David Robinson relinquished command of Marine Aircraft Group 31 to Colonel Michael Cedarholm July 22 on the flightline.
Marine Aircraft Group 31 serves as the higher headquarters and provides leadership to the multiple F/A-18 Hornet squadrons of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. As the commander of the group, Cedarholm will provide leadership to the squadron’s commanders and the Marines who support day-to-day operations. “Over the last two years no squadrons have deployed more and completed more missions and goals than the Marines of MAG-31,” said Major General Jon Davis, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general. “I cannot tell you how proud I am of what this squadron and its Marines have been able to accomplish.” During his tenure, Robinson led the MAG through almost continuous deployments aboard ships and on the ground in support of Operation’s Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, in addition to, taking part in numerous training exercises throughout the Western Pacific. “I have had the opportunity to lead the greatest group of Marines, who were ready to perform all tasks and missions set in front of them,” said Robinson. “I have been truly blessed to have such skilled squadrons, commanders and staff.” The skilled maintenance Marines and pilots have managed to be successful despite numerous obstacles. Regardless of the challenge the squadrons have managed to fight on and accomplish the tasks at hand, proving all the time that good Marines-make great leaders. “The Marines of this squadron have served from the pitching decks of aircraft carriers and the god forsaken sand and dirt of far off distant deserts to support the Marines on the ground in Afghanistan,” said Cederholm. “I could not be more honored and proud to take command of such a great group of Marines.” Robinson served with Cederholm in previous commands and based on those experiences he is confident Cederholm will bring new experience for MAG-31 to use and learn from. “I know that the group is left in the skilled hands of Col. Cederholm,” said Robinson. “My family and I have served with the Cederholm’s and have been close friends for the last 12 years, and I am very confident that he will do great things.” Though a new hand guides MAG-31, affectionately known as, “the sucker punch of the south”, it will not lose its wallop, instead it will continue to deliver the same effective mission completion that it has always provided.