Page 28 - F-35B and USMC

The Integration of the F-35B into USMC Operations

Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In January 2009, he detached from VMFA-122 and reported to
2d Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) for duties as Battle Captain in the Tactical Air Command Center. During
his time in the TACC, Lieutenant Colonel Rowell continued to augment VMFA-122 and VMFA-314. He
returned from Iraq in July 2009 and again assumed duties as the MAG-31 Operations Officer.

In June 2010, LtCol Rowell assumed command of VMFA(AW)-533. Under his command, the Hawks completed
a training deployment to El Centro, CA and a deployment to the Western Pacific in support of the Unit
Deployment Program. The Hawks were the first FA-18 squadron to obtain the highest level of combat
readiness while on deployment, and were the recipients of the Robert M. Hanson Trophy as the 2011 Marine
Fighter Squadron of the Year.
Lt. Col. Rowell relinquished command of The Hawks in November, 2011 and served as MAG-31 Executive
Officer until June, 2012 when he reported to U.S. Army War College. He graduated from the U.S. Army
War College in June, 2013 and reported to the Pentagon for duty on the Joint Staff. He served two years in
the Capabilities and Acquisition Division of the J-8 as the Strategic and Tactical Systems branch chief with
responsibilities for air munitions, manned aerial systems and nuclear weapons.

Colonel Rowell has converted to the F-35B and MV-22B in anticipation of commanding Marine Operational
Test and Evaluation Squadron 1.

Col Rowell has over 3400 flight hours in the F/A-18, F-5, F-35B and MV-22 with 2900 hours in the F/A-18,
and has held every tactical and flight designation qualification in that aircraft. His personal awards include
the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Air Medal Individual Action
with combat distinguishing device, Air Medal Strike/Flight Award with numeral five, Navy/Marine Corps
Commendation Medal with two gold stars and combat distinguishing device, and the Navy Achievement
Medal.

http://www.aviation.marines.mil/Leaders/Article/782606/colonelbrgeorge-b-rowell-iv/

WORKING THE MV-22 WITH F-35 INTEGRATION: SHAPING FUTURE TRAP
MISSIONS IN A DANGEROUS WORLD

By Ed Timperlake and Robbin Laird

12/30/16
In addition to the interview which we had with the CO of MAWTS-1, Col. Rowell, we had a chance to talk with
Lt. Col. Nelson, the XO of MAWTS-1 and Major Duke.

Lt. Col. “Cowboy” Nelson was on the deployment under the command of Lt. Col. Bianco when we conducted an
interview with the first squadron of MV-22s, which deployed to Afghanistan in early 2010.

In that interview conducted by telephone when the squadron was in Afghanistan, Lt. Col. Bianco
highlighted a number of key contributions of the aircraft to the fight.

The most compelling point underscored by the squadron commander is how, in effect, the Osprey has inverted
infrastructure and platform.

Normally, the infrastructure shapes what the platform can do. Indeed, a rotorcraft or a fixed wing aircraft can
operate under specific circumstances.

Second Line of Defense

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