12/19/2023
Transitions: 4th Marine Aircraft Wing
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Lynnette C. Marr-Gaye relinquished the sword of office of Command Senior Enlisted Leader of 4th Marine Aircraft Wing to Sgt. Maj. Daniel N. Heider during a Relief and Appointment ceremony Dec. 15, 2023, aboard Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Louisiana.
Marr-Gaye, from Charlotte, North Carolina, began her military career in 1994 at Parris Island, South Carolina. Initially a motor vehicle operator, she served in various roles in Japan, North Carolina, and California. Her career advanced through promotions, transitioning to aviation supply specialist and later to roles in recruiting and logistics.
Significant assignments include serving with the 8th Motor Transportation Battalion, Marine Aviation Logistic Squadron, Recruiting Station Fredrick, and the 1st Intelligence Battalion. She was promoted to gunnery sergeant in 2005, first sergeant in 2008, and sergeant major in 2014. Key postings included Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Camp Pendleton, and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269.
Marr-Gaye's notable achievements include assignments as battalion sergeant major at Headquarters and Support Battalion Marine Corps Installations Pacific and her role as 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Command Senior Enlisted Leader from December 2020 - December 2023. Her distinguished career underscores her diverse experience and leadership across various capacities in the Marine Corps.
Heider, from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, started his Marine Corps career in 1996 as an aviation maintenance data specialist. His assignments included Hawaii, Japan, and deployments across India, Korea, Thailand, Okinawa, Guam, Australia, and Iraq, contributing to presidential security and various military exercises. As staff sergeant, he served as data analyst SNCOIC at MALS-12 and VMU-2, with two tours in Iraq and as regimental ground safety officer. Promoted to gunnery sergeant, he led security missions in Bahrain during the Arab Spring.
Heider's role expanded to deployments in Afghanistan and Okinawa, participating in key exercises like Ssang Yong 2014. His promotion to first sergeant saw him serving at 3d Radio Battalion and Site Support Buffalo, New York. In 2018, he became sergeant major, overseeing MACS-4 and MTACS-18 Squadrons, and later as academy director at SNCOA Camp Lejeune.
Heider holds a bachelor's degree in political science, a master's in executive leadership, and a graduate certificate in strategic leadership. His distinguished service is recognized by awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.