Basham assumes command of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Mowery bids farewell

Photo By Lance Cpl. Andrea Cleopatra Dickerson | Lt. Col. Charles F. Basham assumed command of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron from Lt. Col. Samuel P. Mowery during a ceremony, on the parade field here, June 8. "I am truly honored and equally as humbled to be the one chosen to take command of this squadron," said Basham.  

HAVELOCK, NC, UNITED STATES

06.08.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Andrea Cleopatra Dickerson 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

HAVELOCK, N.C. - Lt. Col. Charles F. Basham assumed command of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron from Lt. Col. Samuel P. Mowery during a ceremony, on the parade field at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, June 8.

Mowery will next attend the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Penn.

In his final address to his Marines, he praised their efforts on the air station by using analogies demonstrating that nothing on the air station would get accomplished without H&HS Marines manning their posts from Marines at the chow hall to air traffic control and the joint law center.

"No matter what you do on this base, you're going to run into us," said Mowery. "We are the first people you see at the gate when you enter the base. If you happen to land your plane here, know that our air traffic controllers control the air space."

Mowery said he has enjoyed the time he has spent commanding the squadron, and he wants them to remember his motto. "We are in the Marine business of providing support."

"We support, serve and fight as a single impenetrable unit," he said. "That is the source of our strength."

Basham comes to the squadron from the Aviation Manpower Support Branch, Department of Aviation, Headquarters Marine Corps. He said he looks forward to commanding the "Rams."

"I am truly honored and equally as humbled to be the one chosen to take command of this squadron," said Basham.

His career highlights include accumulating over 1,300 flight hours in the AV-8B Harrier. He also studied at The Expeditionary Warfare School and graduated from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College with distinction. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Marine Corps Commendation Medal and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

• Date Taken: 06.08.2012
• Date Posted: 06.08.2012 17:44
• Story ID: 89686
• Location: HAVELOCK, NC, US