Commanding Officer

Colonel Joseph P. Richards

"Redman"

Colonel Richards enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1980. Graduating from MCRD Parris Island, SC in December 1980, he completed follow-on training as a flight line mechanic on the UH-1N helicopter and reported to HML-771, NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts in July 1981. Attending Westfield State College as a Criminal Justice Major, Col Richards was accepted into the Platoon Leaders Course and commissioned a Second Lieutenant in July 1985. He subsequently attended The Basic School and in April 1986 reported for flight training at NAS Pensacola.

Col Richards was designated a Naval Aviator in August 1987 and assigned to HMT-301 for initial training in the CH-46E. Upon completion of training, he reported to HMM-166 in March 1988 and served in numerous billets within the Operations and Maintenance Departments while deploying with the 15th MEU in 1990 and 13th MEU in 1992.

January 1993, Col Richards transferred to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I MEF, Camp Pendleton, CA as a Forward Air Controller. Serving as the Supporting Arms Liaison Team Leader, he deployed as the Detachment Officer-in-Charge to the 31st MEU, Okinawa. December 1993 he assumed command of 1st Brigade Platoon until December 1994.

January 1995, Col Richards transferred to HMT-204, MCAS New River, NC for refresher and instructor training in the CH-46E. As a flight instructor, he worked as the Administrative Officer and Maintenance Officer until January 1997 when he was transferred to HMM-266. Initially serving as the Maintenance Officer, he assumed the duties of Operations Officer and deployed with the Squadron and the 24th MEU in November of 1998 where they participated in Operations ALLIED FORCE & NOBLE ANVIL.

June of 1999, Col Richards transferred to Marine Forces Reserve, MAG-42, Det-B in Norfolk, VA where he served for two years as the Site Executive Officer. In July of 2001 he was transferred to the staff of Navy Warfare Development Command, Newport, RI. Col Richards served as the Land Warfare Division Head, Doctrine Department until July 2004.

August 2004, Col Richards checked into HELTRARON EIGHTEEN as the Executive Officer. He assumed command of the Vigilant Eagles in March 2006 and served as their Commanding Officer until November 2008. Following command he served as the Operations Officer and Senior Marine for Training Air Wing FIVE and MATSG-21 at NAS Whiting Field.

Col Richards attended Joint and Combined Warfighting School, Norfolk, VA for JPME Phase II and in July 2008 joined the faculty, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL. While serving in the Warfighting department, he was selected for command and reported to MATSG-21 in May 2009.

Col Richards’ personal decorations include the Defense Meretorius Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various campaign and service medals.