Lt. Col. Adrian R. Evangelista, center, poses for a photo with Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, fifth left, Sen. Jude Hofschneider, sixth left, Rep. Patrick San Nicolas, sixth right, and members of the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 next to an Osprey at the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan on May 11, 2023.
TINIAN’S Lt. Col. Adrian R. Evangelista is now the commander of the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262.
He assumed command in a turnover ceremony on May 11, 2023 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron or VMM-262 is an active-duty U.S. Marine Corps squadron of the MV-22B tiltrotor aircraft.
A native of Tinian and a Class of 2000 graduate of Tinian High School, Evangelista earned his officer commission in the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2005. He completed pilot training and received his Naval Aviator wings in 2008.
Evangelista has persisted in many capacities throughout his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. His success provided him the renowned privilege of many firsts.
He is Tinian’s first U.S. service academy graduate; Tinian’s first U.S. Naval Academy graduate; Tinian’s first, and currently the only, U.S. Marine Corps officer; Tinian’s first U.S. military pilot; Tinian’s first U.S. Marine Corps pilot; Tinian’s and the CNMI’s first MV-22B Osprey pilot; Tinian’s first U.S. military officer to reach the rank of lieutenant colonel (O-5); Tinian’s first commanding officer at a squadron/battalion level; Tinian’s and the CNMI’s first operational and combat deployable aircraft squadron commander at the O-5 level from across all military branches; Tinian’s and the CNMI’s first operational and combat deployable aircraft squadron commander in the U.S. Marine Corps; Tinian’s and the CNMI’s first V-22 Tiltrotor aircraft squadron commander.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang congratulated Evangelista as he assumes his new role as VMM 262 commander.
They said Evangelista will play a critically important part in ensuring the nation’s safety and security.
“His leadership is a testament [to] our islands’ sons and daughters’ commitment to serve and protect. His high-level recognition will also serve as an inspiration to generations of the CNMI servicemen and women who want to advance personally and professionally through the armed forces,” the governor said.
Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider, who was among those who witnessed the turnover ceremony in Okinawa, said: “It was an historic event to be able to witness one of our own assume such a distinctive level of responsibility in our U.S. armed forces especially during Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.”
Hofschneider, the vice chairman of the Tinian and Aguigan Legislative Delegation, said it was even more special to share the moment with several Marines, soldiers, airmen, and their families from the Commonwealth that were in attendance.
For his part, Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, who was also in Okinawa, said: “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.”
Also present in the ceremony was Rep. Patrick H. San Nicolas who shared the same pride and honor.
Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, on behalf of the people of Tinian, said, “It is always an exciting and proud moment for Tinian when we get to witness one of our own garner the distinction and recognition through their hard work and perseverance in what they choose to do in life.”
The mayor said Evangelista has served the U.S. armed forces for approximately 18 years now, building his career and getting to where he is today.
“He is a proud son of Tinian, [and] we are exceptionally proud of…his commendable accomplishments. Lt. Col. Evangelista is an inspiration and a role model to many of our young adults who have decided to join the U.S. armed forces,” Aldan said.
“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,” the mayor added.
