Colonel John A. Rutherford
Aviation Logistics Division
Colonel Rutherford enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 11, 1980 and completed recruit training on October 17, 1980 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Following recruit training he attended the Ground Supply Orientation Program at Camp Pendleton, California until he transferred to his Military Occupational Specialty Training School at Camp Johnson in Jacksonville, North Carolina and trained as a Basic Supply Administrative Clerk. He was promoted to Private First Class in January 1981 and graduated on 27 February 1981. Upon completion of his specialty training he was transferred to Headquarters Company 9th Marines in Okinawa, Japan and served as an Additional Demands Listing clerk. Before departing after a year assignment he was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal in August of 1981 and Corporal in February of 1982. His next two assignments took him to 29 Palms, California with 4th Battalion 155 Howitzer Battery until October 1982 and then transferred to 2nd Battalion 8-inch Howitzer Battery until March of 1983.
Colonel Rutherford was accepted to the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECEP) and was transferred to Naval Training Center, San Diego, California to participate in the MECEP preparatory school. In August of 1983 he was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to I & I Staff Jacksonville, Florida to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He successfully completed OCS in August of 1986.
After graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in May of 1987. Upon completion of the Basic School in December 1987 he attended the Aviation Supply Officers course in Athens, Georgia.
In April of 1988, Colonel Rutherford was transferred to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. There he served in a variety of aviation supply billets supporting the Training and Unit Deployment Squadrons and their detachments. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in May of 1989.
In May of 1990, Colonel Rutherford was transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, for duty as an Assistant Series Commander, Series Commander, and Company Commander. He was promoted to Captain in November 1991. Upon completion of his tour in July 1993 Colonel Rutherford reported for duty as a student to the Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia.
In June 1994, Colonel Rutherford was transferred to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39, Marine Aircraft Group 39, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California. He was assigned as the Assistant Supply Officer.
In October 1996, Colonel Rutherford was transferred to the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. He served as the Adjutant, Logistics Officer, and Headquarters Commandant. He was promoted to Major in July 1997. In August 1999, Colonel Rutherford was assigned as a student to the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Quantico, Virginia.
In July 2000, Colonel Rutherford was transferred to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, Marine Aircraft Group 16, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California. He served as the Aviation Supply Officer and Executive Officer. Colonel Rutherford was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 1 February 2003.
In September 2003, Colonel Rutherford was transferred to be the Commanding Officer, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2D Marine Aircraft Wing. He served as the Commanding Officer from October 2003 until September 2005.
From October 2005 through April 2009 he served with MWHS-3, MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California as the Aviation Supply Officer for 3D Marine Aircraft Wing. He deployed as Assistant Chief of Staff forward to Al Asad, Iraq on two separate occasions, from June 2006 thru February 2007 and January to August 2008. He was promoted to his current rank on 1 May 2009.
From May of 2009 through the June of 2011 he served as Assistant Chief of Staff, Aviation Logistics Division for 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. He began his assignment as Assistant Chief of Staff MARFORPAC in July of 2011.
His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (Gold star in lieu of 4th award), The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Gold star in lieu of third award), The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Award.