MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marine Aircraft Group 14 at Cherry Point experienced a complete change in senior leadership over a two-day period. Sgt. Maj. David L. Bradford took over as the senior enlisted advisor of the group from Sgt. Maj. Timothy King Oct. 4. The next day, Col. Robert B. Sofge assumed command of the group from Col. Andrew G. Shorter.
Shorter will become the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing operations officer, and King will move on to duties as the sergeant major of Marine Air Control Group 28.
Shorter said he leaves the group with a bittersweet feeling saying, “It has been a great experience, but as every commanding officer knows will eventually come, it is my time to move on.”
Now, Sofge will lead the more than 4,200 Marines and 11 squadrons that fall under MAG-14. As he assumed command he addressed the Marines and said he is looking forward to leading the group.
Sofge said he is excited to take on the challenges to follow and lead the Marines in their continuous success as one team. As their new commanding officer, he will demand the same determination from his Marines that Shorter spoke so highly about.
“It has been a challenge, but it has been rewarding as well,” said Shorter. “The Marines within the group are an outstanding group of Marines and I know they will continue to be outstanding under Col. Sofge’s leadership.”
Both sergeants major said that this is the best way to change the leadership within a unit. It allows the new sergeant major and commanding officer to grow together and learn about the group as a team.
“Sgt. Maj. Bradford is coming to us from (Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14), so he already knows how the group works and he knows the sergeants major he will be working with,” said King. “This is good for the group to have a leader that they know is familiar with the squadrons that fall under the group.”
King said he is happy to remain on Cherry Point and praised his Marines outstanding work during his time as the group sergeant major.
"I am sad to have to leave my Marines, but I know they are in good hands,” said King. “I couldn’t be happier with the way my Marines performed. The Marines that worked under me always did their best and worked hard at accomplishing the mission.”
Bradford said he will be depending on those very Marines who worked hard for King. “I will be relying primarily on my (staff noncommissioned officers) to show me how the group is run and to teach me so I can become a better leader.”