Major General Rowell assumed the duties as the Deputy Commander, United States Forces Japan in June of 2023 after serving as the Assistant Wing Commander of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
Major General Rowell was commissioned after graduating from the United States Naval Academy with honors in 1992. After The Basic School, he completed flight school and was designated an FA-18 Hornet pilot.
Major General Rowell’s command assignments include Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 “The Hawks” (VMFA(AW)-533) and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1). Under his command, VMFA(AW)-533 received the MCAA Hanson Award as Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year, and VMX-1 received the MCAA Commandant’s Aviation Award for superior achievement.
Major General Rowell’s Staff assignments include Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Joint Staff J-8 and Headquarters Marine Corps, Aviation. As a General Officer, he served as the Director of Communications, HQMC.
Major General Rowell is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, Marine Corps Command and Staff College and Army War College.
Major General Rowell has accumulated over 3500 flight hours, with over 3000 in the FA-18, and has held every qualification and designation in that aircraft. He has been NATOPS qualified in the F-5, MV-22 and F-35B. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit with gold star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Air Medal Individual Action with combat distinguishing device, Air Medal Strike/Flight award with numeral 5, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars and combat distinguishing device, and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.