by Pfc. Aaron Hostutler

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (January 11, 2008) -- Lt. Col. Michael Farrell passed command of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, to Lt. Col. Douglas Schueler Jan. 10 during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

Farrell took command of HMM-262 in July 2006. He will now serve as MAG-36's executive officer.

Schueler was MAG-36's executive officer before coming to HMM-262.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and completed The Basic School in 1988. He also received a Master of Science in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee in 2002.

He began his career with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, MAG-36. While assigned to HMM-364, he completed three deployments to the Western Pacific. During his tour, he served as a legal officer, ground training officer, airframes division officer, quality assurance officer, weapons and tactics instructor, and assistant operations officer.

In 2001, he was assigned to HMM-266 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., where he served as operations officer and executive officer. During his tour, he supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

In 2004, he returned to the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Md., and was assigned to the V-22 Joint Program Office as assistant program manager for Training Systems.

Schueler's personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, and the Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

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