8th Engineer Support Battalion Change of Command Ceremony

Photo By Sgt. Anthony Ortiz | U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David M. Grant, a combat engineer officer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, gives a report during a traditional change of command ceremony at Soiffert field aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 15, 2014. In a change of command ceremony, the company officer gives a report of accountability of each company in the battalion.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

01.16.2014

Story by Cpl. Devin Nichols 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group conducted a change of command ceremony at Soiffert field here, Jan. 15, passing the total accountability, responsibility and authority of the battalion between two lieutenant colonels.

Lt. Col. David T. Hudak assumed command of 8th ESB from Lt. Col. Ferdinand F. Llantero in a traditional ceremony with approximately 300 of the 1,500 Marines and sailors in the battalion.

“My experience here at 8th ESB has been great,” said Llantero. “There were many great things I saw during my two years in command here.”

Llantero, a Long Beach, Calif., native, thanked his command and family for the two years he was in command and the support he had received. His family traveled from various states, including California and Hawaii. Llantero will move on to working with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group here.

Hudak, a Warren, Ohio native, briefly addressed the battalion’s accomplishments and thanked his family that traveled for the ceremony.

“It’s a wonderful day to recognize the battalion and Lt. Col. Llantero for everything they have accomplished and all the success they have had for the past two years,” said Hudak. “It’s just a tremendous opportunity and responsibility as the incoming commander.”

Llantero was selected for command in December 2011. In 2012, he deployed with the battalion to Helmand Province, Afg. in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit received the Marine Corps Engineer Association, or MCEA, Engineer Support Battalion of the Year award for actions in support of U.S. Marine Forces Command and U.S. Central Command during OEF between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013.

“The Marines and sailors of 8th ESB have performed an amazing job whether deployed or here in the United States,” said Llantero. “Their performance has been professional and outstanding.”

Hudak reported to Camp Lejeune, N.C. in July 2012. He was assigned as the II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) C-4 Operations Officer and deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF from December 2012 to November 2013.

“I would like 8th ESB to continue their high level of performance that they have displayed in the past,” said Hudak. “You can ask Lt. Col. Llantero, but I’m pretty sure that they have never let him down and I’m sure that’s going to be the case in the future.”

• Date Taken: 01.16.2014
• Date Posted: 01.16.2014 09:37
• Story ID: 119240
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US
• Hometown: LONG BEACH, CA, US
• Hometown: WARREN, OH, US