"The Change of Command ceremony is a
time-honored tradition which formally symbolizes the continuity of authority as
the command is passed from one individual to another. It is a formal
ceremony which is conducted before the the assembled company of the
Command. The Change of Command as traditionally practiced within the
Marine Corps is unique in the world today; it is a transfer of total
responsibility, authority, and accountability from one individual to
another." From the Scarface Change of Command
program.
On the Second of February, 2001 Lt. Colonel
Scott P. Haney assumed command of HMLA-367 from Lt. Colonel James
Jamison.
Lt. Colonel Jamison had graciously extended an
invitation to attend. Being unable to attend due to scheduling, I contacted
Colonel Jamison and asked if I could send another Scarface Marine in my
stead. I suggested Dick Moskun from VMO-3 and Colonel Jamison took the
time to call Dick and personally extend an invitation.
Sequence of Events
Adjutant's Call
March on the Colors
Invocation
Sound Off
Receive the Report
Publication of Orders
Presentation of Award
Transfer of the
Pass in Review
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SSgt. Brian Hebert and SSgt. Ray Valeros on station at
the CO's aircraft. |
|
Lt. Colonel Jamison and the Color Guard
The Color Guard was staffed by Sgt. Sampe, Cpl.
Oleson, Cpl. Perez- Rodriguez and Cpl. Gonzalez. A tribute to the
professionalism of the Corps today. |
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SCARFACE Marines on Parade. |
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Award Presentation |
|
LtCol. Haney
LtCol.
Jamison
"Transfer and Acceptance of the Colors"
"The transfer of colors during the ceremony
signifies the relinquishment of Command by the outgoing Commander.
The acceptance of the colors by the incoming Commander confirms his
total commitment to the men and women he now serves." From
the Scarface change of command program.
|
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Lt. Colonels Jamison and Haney |
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Adjutant and Staff Pass in review
Adjutant Capt Selby
Staff
Capt. Alvarez GySgt. Negron
1st Lt. Schaner SSgt. Philburn
Maj. Horton SSgt. Boyd
Capt. Gemmingen SSgt. Martinez |
|
Panoramic photo of the Pass in Review Ceremony. Click
on thumbnail to enlarge |
|
PFC Luke McKenzie Presents Mrs. Jamison flowers.
Now I don't know how many of you have been a PFC in the
presence of Colonels and especially your CO's wife, but I am sure this
young Marines heart rate was in the danger zone, especially after being
requested by Dick to re-present the flowers as he wasn't sure he got the
first photo. Semper Fi ! PFC McKenzie thanks for being a
good sport. |
|
Well done Lt. Colonel and Mrs. Jamison, you have
served our Squadron, our Corps and our Country well. Thank you |
|
Colonel Jackson, CO of the 1st Marine Regiment on the
left wearing the new experimental uniform and Colonel Jensen. |
|
Dick Moskun VMO-3 enroute to the Change of Command 33
years later, and just prior to being wounded while attempting to capture
an entire VC regiment. Semper Fi Dick, thanks for going...ok it
wasn't and entire regiment but it was part of one.
|
|
1975
"Whispering Frank's Flying Circus"
The era begins
The Change of Command is a big event in any squadron. It
is an opportunity for the unit to "shine" to all the visitors and to
put out the welcome mat to the incoming "boss". It is hard to
not be inspired by the pomp and circumstance of such an event, unless one is
lock-kneed in the formation on a hot day. It disrupts the daily routine
for some time, but it is something that we Marines do well. It is
inspiring to watch a Change of Command, from the junior Troop to the Commander
of Troops go through the ritual. This ceremony took place at Futenma
Marine Corps Air Station at the south end. In a matter of a month, we
moved from the tin "huts" to the vacated Army airfield at Hamby.
In two months, the squadron retired it's UH-1Es for the UH-1Ns, which arrived by
C-5 to Kadena.
I had asked the CO if I could be excused from the Officer's
Platoon so that I might take pictures of the ceremony. As a 1stLt, I'm
sure that he thought that I was just trying to get out of standing in the VERY
humid afternoon warmth. I'm also sure that he felt as though my photos
would be on the caliber of a box camera. They both seemed pleased at the
results, as was I. I hope you enjoy them and may they bring back pleasant
memories.
Photos and text courtesy Steve Hornberger
