Marine Commander Fired in Okinawa Amid Ongoing Investigation
Monday, December 1, 2025
Lt. Col. Calischaran G. James was relieved as commanding officer of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 in Okinawa due to "loss of trust and confidence," marking another high-profile leadership dismissal in the Marine Corps. The firing reflects the service's strict accountability standards for commanders.
On November 26, 2025, Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale relieved Lt. Col. Calischaran G. James of command at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 (MALS-36), stationed at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Officials cited an ongoing investigation but declined to provide specific details, using the military's standard phrase "loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command." James, who assumed command in May 2024, was a decorated officer from Dominica who enlisted in 1998 and earned his commission in 2006. Lt. Col. Ryan T. Iden, a former infantry Marine who rose through the ranks, now serves as interim commander. The dismissal comes weeks after three leaders of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 in Hawaii were fired for failing to enforce safety standards.
Key Facts
- - Lt. Col. Calischaran G. James was fired November 26, 2025, after leading MALS-36 since May 2024
- - Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale made the decision due to "loss of trust and confidence" during an active investigation
- - James received the Marine Corps Aviation Association's 2020 Earle Hattaway Ground Officer of the Year Award
- - MALS-36 provides aviation logistics support to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Aircraft Group 36
- - Lt. Col. Ryan T. Iden, who enlisted in 1997 and was commissioned in 2008, assumed interim command