Richard W. Christiansen

I can only speak to the time I served with Chris from 1986 to 1988 at MCAS El Toro, Santa Ana, CA in H&MS-11 and when the squadron was re-designated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-11. Chris, as the senior aircraft maintenance officer, led a team of Marines in the Intermediate Maintenance Department who initially supported 3 F/A-18 squadrons and 1 RF-4 squadron, but later in our tour, MAG-11 grew to supporting many more aircraft types, such as A-4M’s, OA-4’s, A-6E’s and KC-130’s which remained at El Toro when MAG-13 transferred its flag to MCAS Yuma, AZ. Slowly the A-4’s and A-6’s departed for WestPac with the Unit Deployment Program, but we gained many more F/A-18’s as VMFA-101 stood up as the Marine’s fleet pilot training squadron. Needless to say, it was always an interesting time serving with Chris. Many lasting memories were made with him and the Marine team he led. Chris was a Major during this period. He was promoted to LtCol as he transferred from MALS-11 to Okinawa, Japan becoming the 1st Marine Air Wing aircraft maintenance officer. He ended his Marine service retiring as a Colonel. Chris was also a combat veteran of the Vietnam War serving as an enlisted crew chief on the first model of the CH-53. Rest in peace Marine, a job well done!