Photo By Staff Sgt. John Suleski | Col. Christopher C. Seymour salutes for the last time as the Marine Aircraft Group 26...... read more read more
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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. Col. Christopher C. Seymour relinquished command of Marine Aircraft Group 26 to Col. John C. Vara during a change of command ceremony at the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 flight line, Aug. 2.
Seymour retired after 26 years of honorable service.
Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hedelund, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, spoke directly to Vara in regards to the legacy he would have to maintain with MAG-26.
“I can’t resist, (Vara) has some big shoes to fill,” referring to Seymour’s monstrous stature. “Col. Seymour has taken the MV-22B Osprey from an interesting concept and transformed it into a combat capability known worldwide.”
Next was Vara’s turn to speak for the first time as commanding officer of MAG-26.
“I am inheriting a very strong team from (Seymour), and I feel very fortunate to benefit from his hard work and his leadership,” said Vara. “I don’t take this lightly. This is a special responsibility and I take it with profound humility.”
Vara then spoke directly to the Marines of MAG-26.
“I look forward to serving as your commander,” said Vara. “I am confident that we will accomplish every task and exceed every expectation, not because of me, but because of the Marines here and the legacy of the Corps that we serve. They have my absolute commitment, trust and respect, and together we will continue to move forward to accomplish the mission.”
Before retiring, Seymour took an opportunity to thank those involved with his success.
“Every day since my time at the Pentagon, I have been excited about getting up and coming to work,” said Seymour. “It has been absolutely my humble honor and pleasure to serve with you, not only for the last two years but the last 26 years. I can tell you more than ever I love you, I love what you stand for, and you are absolutely the best that the United States has to offer. Every one of you makes individual decisions everyday that affects the Marine Corps and for that I do indeed thank you and I will truly miss you.”
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2013 09:33 |
| Story ID: | 112087 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 268 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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