VMA-231 XO takes reigns as CO during change of command

Photo By Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Lt. Col. Shawn R. Hermley (left), the previous executive officer of Marine Attack Squadron 231, receives the squadron colors from Lt. Col. Joseph D. Williams, the previous commanding officer of VMA-231, during the change of command ceremony Dec. 16. During the ceremony Williams took the time to thank everybody he worked with while commanding the squadron ranging from Maj. Gen. Jon M. Davis, the command general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to the spouses of the Marines.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

12.22.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Marines, sailors, families and friends packed the Marine Attack Squadron 231 hangar for the change of command ceremony held for Lt. Col. Shawn R. Hermley, the previous executive officer of the ‘Ace of Spades,’ replacing Lt. Col. Joseph D. Williams as commanding officer of VMA-231 at the squadron’s hangar, Dec. 16.

“He has guided this squadron with a steady hand,” said Col. Andrew G. Shorter, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 14. “He was always one of the ‘go-to guys’ and we respect you for that and we’ll miss you for that.”

During the ceremony Williams took the time to thank everybody he worked with while commanding the squadron. His thanks ranging from Maj. Gen. Jon M. Davis, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to all the Marines’ spouses and families.

“Sacrifice is easy to say but it’s really hard to do,” said Williams. “As I look back at my time in command, and looking at these Marines, I am amazingly proud. So thanks again to the spouses, or Lady Aces, and to the Marines of 231. I can’t tell you how proud I am, Semper Fi.”

Hermley reported to the ‘Ace of Spades’ in June 2008 and took over as the executive officer of the squadron. In 2009 he deployed with the ‘Spades’ to Afghanistan. Departing Afghanistan early, Hermley took charge of a detachment from Marine Attack Squadron 542 detachment as the officer in charge. The detachment joined Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Reinforced) and deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Some of Hermley’s personal awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars.

“Having been the XO of this squadron for three years I know what a great legacy of leadership this squadron has,” said Hermley. “This is a tremendous honor.”

Williams will be proceeding on to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Aviation Training System here.

• Date Taken: 12.22.2011
• Date Posted: 12.22.2011 11:04
• Story ID: 81686
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US