Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. -- Lt. Col. Brian Ku has been described as a positive-thinking and diligently-working Marine by his peers throughout his tenure at Marine Corps Air Station New River, and after 25 years of faithful service, he is retiring from the Marine Corps.
As the facilities and logistics director for Marine Corps Air Station New River, Ku’s list of accomplishments is as impressive as the numerous people who stepped forward with only kind things to say about him during his retirement gathering.
During his time here, Ku’s initiative, resourcefulness and organizational abilities enabled him to lead the air station S-4 department at an up-tempo pace, making for some considerable changes on the air station.
According to Ku’s meritorious service medal citation, Ku facilitated more than $250 million in new construction aboard the air station, including a renovated maintenance hangar to make room for a third Marine Light Attack Helicopter squadron, a brand new ‘super hangar’ for four Osprey squadrons and other additions.
Ku also focused his efforts on the barracks. According to his award citation, he established a contract to clean and disinfect more than 2,400 mattresses in the 12 barracks aboard the installation.
Not only were the barracks well-maintained under his guidance, a new system was established that cut down maintenance response times to less than six hours, allowing for Marines to not have to suffer through unhealthy living conditions.
Ku explained his attitude during his career, giving insight as to how he accomplished his goals.
“I take every day one step at a time and do the best with what I am given,” said Ku. “I’m sure every Marine has heard that the Marine Corps is what you make it, and I agree with that. I try to walk into every situation I’m given with a positive attitude and do my best at all times. At the end of the day that’s all you can do and for me, everything has come together well.”
Not only has Ku worked on the logistics side of the Marine Corps, but he has worked on the aviation side as well.
As the most seasoned aviator and instructor pilot for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Ku has flown more than 5,000 hours and has led H&HS to the milestone of 75,780 mishap-free flight hours.
His aviation intelligence and approach to flight safety contributed to H&HS winning the Small Squadron of the Year award two years in a row in which the squadron flew more than 4,300 hours, 800 missions, and transported thousands of passengers as well as more than 18 thousand tons of cargo.
“Our staff will miss his camaraderie, positive attitude, work ethic, and forward outside-of-the-box thinking ability,” said Scott Randall, air station S-4 officer. “It’s been a great time and we are going to miss working with him.”