News Summary
Colonel Mark D. Bortnem has been relieved of his command at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort effective April 15, 2025, due to a ‘loss of trust and confidence’ in his leadership. Having served as Commanding Officer since July 2023, Bortnem’s removal follows the station’s recent air show. Lt. Col. Michael R. Eubanks has been appointed as acting commander while the specific reasons for Bortnem’s dismissal remain unclear, with the military often refraining from providing details. Bortnem will be reassigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
Beaufort, SC – Colonel Mark D. Bortnem has been relieved of his command at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, effective April 15, 2025, due to a “loss of trust and confidence” in his leadership ability.
Bortnem, who had been serving as the Commanding Officer since July 14, 2023, took over from Col. Karl Arbogast. His removal comes shortly after the station’s annual air show featuring the Navy Blue Angels.
Key details include:
- Relief confirmed by 1st Lt. Lyndsay Cribb, Director of Communications and Strategy at MCAS Beaufort.
- Order issued by Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr., commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East.
- Bortnem is reassigned to duties at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
- Lt. Col. Michael R. Eubanks appointed as acting commander until a new commander is named.
The specifics behind Bortnem’s removal remain unclear, with the military often using the phrase “loss of trust and confidence” without elaboration on the reasons. Factors contributing to such decisions typically encompass leadership concerns, the work environment, or misconduct.
Bortnem’s background includes:
- Enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1991, serving over 30 years.
- Graduated from Ohio State University with a B.A. in Political Science in 1998 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
- Distinguished graduate of flight school, becoming a Naval Flight Officer in 2002 with multiple deployments to Iraq.
- Completed F/A-18 pilot training, serving as a Flight Instructor with nearly 3,000 flight hours, including over 500 combat hours.
- Former Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 with multiple leadership roles throughout his career.
- Awarded the Robert M. Hanson award during his tenure at Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232.
- First U.S. officer to command a Canadian squadron in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
As of now, Bortnem’s biography and photo have been removed from the MCAS Beaufort leadership page, while Lt. Col. Robert L. Steinhauser III continues to serve as Executive Officer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Set to Host 2025 Air Show with Blue Angels
Beaufort Prepares for the 2025 Marine Corps Air Show
Additional Resources
- Military.com: Marine Corps Fires Commander of East Coast Air Station
- Wikipedia: Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
- WSAV: MCAS Beaufort Commanding Officer Relieved of Duty
- Google Search: Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
- Military.com: Marine Pilot Loses Command After Ejecting from F-35B
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Marine Corps
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google News: Marine Corps Leadership
- Military.com: Pilot of F-35 Crashed Ejected After Malfunctions
- Google Scholar: Marine Corps Leadership Changes
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