Tinian son takes lead of Osprey squadron in Okinawa

Lt. Col. Adrian R. Evangelista, seventh from left, poses with Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz, fifth from left, Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider, sixth from left, and Rep. Patrick H. San Nicolas, eighth from left, after Evangelista assumed command of the U.S. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 during a historic ceremony at the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, last May 11. Also in the photo displaying the CNMI flags are CNMI residents who are serving in different sectors of the U.S. Armed Forces. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Lt. Col. Adrian Rempillio Evangelista, who is Tinian’s first U.S. Marine Corps pilot, assumed command of the U.S. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (VMM-262) at the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, last May 11.

VMM-262, also known as the “Flying Tigers,” is an active-duty U.S. Marine Corps squadron of MV-22B tiltrotor aircraft. Tiltrotor is an aircraft that can take off and land like a helicopter, but fly fast like an airplane.

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang congratulated Evangelista as he assumes his new role. Palacios said Evangelista will play a critically important part in ensuring the nation’s safety and security in his new role.

“His leadership is a testament of our islands’ sons and daughters’ commitment to serve and protect,” said the governor in a statement yesterday.

Palacios said that Evangelista’s high-level recognition will also serve as an inspiration to generations of the CNMI servicemen and women who want to advance personally and professional through the armed forces.

Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian), who is the vice chairman of the Tinian and Aguiguan Legislative Delegation, attended the change of command ceremony in Okinawa. He said yesterday that it was a historic event to witness one of the CNMI’s own assume such a distinctive level of responsibility in the U.S. Armed Forces, especially during Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Hofschneider said it was even more special to share the moment with several Marines, soldiers, airmen, and their families from the Commonwealth who were in attendance.

“We are extremely proud of Adrian for all his accomplishments and grateful for his service. He has undoubtedly blazed a trail for the youth in our Commonwealth,” he said.

Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz (R-Tinian) and Rep. Patrick H. San Nicolas (R-Tinian), who accompanied Hofschneider at the event, shared the same sentiments.

Tinian and Aguiguan Mayor Edwin P. Aldan said yesterday it is always an exciting and proud moment for Tinian when they get to witness one of their own garner distinction and recognition through their hard work and perseverance in what they choose to do in life.

Aldan said Evangelista has served the U.S. Armed Forces for approximately 18 years, building his career and getting to where he is today.

The mayor said Evangelista is a son of Tinian, who they are exceptionally proud of for his commendable accomplishments.

He said Evangelista is an inspiration and a role model to many of the CNMI’s young adults who have decided to join the U.S. Armed Forces.

“On behalf of the people of Tinian, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lt. Col. Evangelista and thank you for continuing to serve our nation and defending the freedom of all its citizens,” Aldan said.

Evangelista’s success provides him the renowned privilege of many firsts.

Evangelista is Tinian’s first U.S. Service Academy graduate. He is Tinian’s first U.S. Naval Academy graduate. He is Tinian’s first and currently the only U.S. Marine Corps officer. Evangelista is Tinian’s first U.S. military pilot. He is Tinian’s and the CNMI’s first MV-22B Osprey pilot. He is Tinian’s first U.S. military officer to reach the rank of lieutenant colonel. Evangelista is Tinian’s first commanding officer at a squadron/battalion level. He is Tinian’s and the CNMI’s first operational and combat deployable aircrafts squadron commander at the 0-5 level from across all military branches.

Evangelista is Tinian’s and the Commonwealth’s first operational and combat deployable aircraft squadron commander in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is also Tinian’s and the CNMI’s first V-22 Tiltrotor aircraft Squadron commander.

Evangelista, a native of the CNMI, was born on Saipan and raised on Tinian. He graduated from Tinian High School in June 2000. He earned his officer commission in the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2005.

Following his initial officer training, he completed pilot training and received his Naval Aviator wings in April 2008.

In March 2021, Evangelista reported to the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Headquarters Marine Corps, Pentagon to assume duties as International Plans and Policies Officer. In October 2021, he was promoted to his current rank.

In May 2022, he returned to Okinawa and assumed duties as commanding officer of Personnel Support Detachment, MAG-36.