Commander of Futenma air station sacked

The Marine Corps sacked a colonel in charge of the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma located on Okinawa, Japan.

Col. Mark S. Coppess was relieved of his command on Tuesday by Brig. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr., the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, “due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command,” Corps officials said in an emailed statement to Marine Corps Times.

“The Marine Corps is committed to upholding high standards of honor, courage and commitment within the ranks,” Marine Corps Installations Pacific said in a statement.

Coppess commanded the Futenma air station from June 4, 2017, to June 5, 2018. Col. David M. Steele assumed command of the air base on Wednesday.

Stars and Stripes was first to break this story.

About Shawn Snow

Shawn Snow is the senior reporter for Marine Corps Times and a Marine Corps veteran.

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