 In June 1977 he reported to Landing Force Training Command at Little Creek, Va., as Head, Aviation Section, Supporting Arms Branch.In August 1979 he attended the Armed Forces Staff College and subsequently was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 32, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he assumed command of VMA-542.After two years, he received orders to the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy and following that tour was assigned in February 1982 as Chief of Plans, Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Europe in London.