YUMA, Ariz. - Sgt. Maj. Robert Pullen passed the Avengers’ sword to incoming Sgt. Maj. Michael Cayer in a ceremony in the squadron’s hangar Jan. 5.

"VMA-211 is one of the most professional and hardest working units that I have ever been a part of,” said Pullen. “It was my great pleasure to serve with such a fine group of Marines. Throughout my tenure, I saw the unit in many different stages through the deployment cycle. Often, these Marines would work longer than needed to ensure there were Avenger fighters in the sky."

Pullen, who had served as the Marine Attack Squadron 211 senior enlisted adviser since January 2010, won’t be going far however, he’s taking over as the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 sergeant major, taking his years of experience to the maintenance side of the Harrier fleet.

“The welcome the MALS has given my family and me is phenomenal,” Pullen said of his new unit. “I am excited for the opportunity to serve the Marines and sailors of the MALS and look forward to meeting each and every one of them.”

Cayer comes to Yuma with a strong background in the groundside of the Corps, his most recent assignment as the Headquarters Company first sergeant for the 8th Marine Regiment.

“I believe that my infantry experience will be a tremendous benefit to the Marines of the squadron,” said Cayer. “It will provide that insight needed in sharpening those skills that are critical to better serve the Marines on the ground.”

Cayer plans to continue to build on the squadron’s fighting legacy.

“My plan is to continue building off the many success of this great squadron through esprit de corps,” said Cayer. “By taking those intangible benefits such as pride, discipline and virtue and using those in a capacity that continually instills confidence in the Marines and the overall honor of the unit.”

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