2nd Medical Battalion change of command ceremony

Photo By Sgt. Shawn Valosin | A Marine Corps color guard marches with the American flag alongside the Marine Corps and Navy flags during a change of command ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2013. Navy Capt. Cameron Waggoner, the outgoing commanding officer for 2nd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine logistics Group relinquished command to Navy Capt. Michael Sokolowski. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shawn Valosin)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

09.20.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Shawn Valosin 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - 2nd Medical Battalion held a change of command ceremony at Soifert Field here Sept. 30, passing complete authority, accountability and responsibility for the unit between two Navy Captains.

Capt. Michael Sokolowski assumed command of 2nd Medical Bn., Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group from Capt. Cameron Waggoner in a traditional ceremony outside of the battalion’s headquarters building.

Waggoner was the battalion’s commanding officer for two years.

During this time the advancement rate of the battalion raised from 16 to 20 percent more than the rest of the Navy, and the survival rate for those treated in combat raised to 95 percent, which is unprecedented in combat history, said Waggoner.

“These past two years have gone by in a flash,” said Waggoner. “I assure you that just because the time has gone by fast, it is not indicative of the accomplishments.”

Waggoner is slated to report to Millington, Tenn., where he will act as a branch head of Naval Personnel Command.

Sokolowski was most recently stationed in Naples, Italy, where he fulfilled many billets, such as the senior medical planner.

Sokolowski said he looks forward to working with the Marines and sailors of 2nd Medical Battalion, and expressed his gratitude to the members of the battalion for the professionalism they portray every day in their work environments.

“By design, this battalion is not assembled to look like any other type of Marine Corps battalion,” said Sokolowski. “We provide care and support to America’s most treasured resource - its Marines and sailors - and no one does it better.”

• Date Taken: 09.20.2013
• Date Posted: 10.01.2013 15:30
• Story ID: 114554
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US