Leadership shakeup at VMM-268 highlights Marine Corps’ zero-tolerance stance on readiness and aircraft safety amid ongoing Osprey scrutiny.
Maj. Gen. Marcus Annibale, commander of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, relieved the entire senior leadership of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (VMM-268) — known as the “Red Dragons” — based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The unprecedented move removed:
- Lt. Col. Shaina Hennessey, squadron commander
- Sgt. Maj. Jamie Lampley, senior enlisted leader
- The unnamed executive officer (XO)
The official reason? A “loss of trust” in their ability to uphold safety and readiness standards for the controversial MV-22 Osprey fleet.
What Happened: Full Details of the Relief
According to a statement from 1st MAW spokesman Maj. Joseph Butterfield:
“We hold ourselves to the highest standards of performance, addressing challenges head-on to uphold operational excellence. We are committed to implementing best practices and policies that ensure a strong coupling of well-prepared pilots and crews with safe, mission-ready aircraft.”
No specific incidents, accidents, or violations were disclosed — a common practice in command reliefs to protect operational security and ongoing investigations.
New Leadership Takes Over Immediately
- Lt. Col. John Campbell – New Squadron Commander
- Sgt. Maj. Joshua Henderson – New Senior Enlisted Leader
Both assumed duties the same day, ensuring zero disruption to flight operations and Pacific deterrence missions.
Who Were the Relieved Leaders?
Lt. Col. Shaina Hennessey
- Commissioned: 2007
- Naval Aviator: 2011
- Took command of VMM-268: December 2024
- Decorations:
- Air Medal (Strike/Flight)
- Meritorious Service Medal (1 gold star)
- Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (1 gold star)
Sgt. Maj. Jamie Lampley
- Enlisted: 2000
- Senior Enlisted Leader since: February 2024
- Decorations:
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (1 gold star)
- Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 gold stars)
Despite distinguished records, command climate and safety culture appear to have been the deciding factors.
Why This Matters: The Osprey’s Troubled History
The MV-22 Osprey has faced intense scrutiny since entering service in 2007:
| Year | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Fatal crash in Australia | 3 Marines killed |
| 2023 | Japan grounding after fatal crash | 1 airman killed |
| 2024 | Continued fleet-wide inspections | Hard clutch issues identified |
| 2025 | Ongoing safety stand-downs | Limited flight hours |
Despite upgrades, material failures, pilot error, and maintenance lapses continue to challenge the tiltrotor program.
Marine Corps Leadership’s Message: Safety First, No Exceptions
Relieving an entire command triad is rare — and sends a clear signal:
✅ Zero tolerance for lapses in:
- Aircraft maintenance
- Crew training
- Risk management
- Safety reporting culture
Maj. Gen. Annibale’s action reinforces the Corps’ mantra: “Mission readiness begins with trust in leadership.”