CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Lt. Col. Michael P. Wylie assumed command of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Col. Michael R. Hudson during a relinquishment of command ceremony at the Camp Del Mar parade deck here July 12.

Hudson, whose command of the MEU began in May 2010, moves on to Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Va.

Wylie served as the executive officer of the 11th MEU, which returned from a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific, Horn of Africa and Middle East regions June 21.

"I appreciate everyone being here on such short notice," said Hudson. "Fellow commanders and colonels, I appreciate all of your support to me and the Marines, we couldn't have done it without you.”

“This all happened kind of fast but the Marines and sailors went down range into uncertainty and I'm proud of you," said Hudson to his Marines. “The Marines did an absolutely outstanding job. Marines, sailors, family and friends thank you again and Semper Fidelis."

The 11th MEU is a quick-reaction task force consisting of 2,200 Marines and sailors and is one of three MEUs based on the West Coast.

"Thank you for this rare opportunity to take command," said Wylie to Hudson. "I'd like to thank the Marines for the support and I am honored to continue to serve with you guys. We are still going to knock down targets as we always have.”

“Finally I'd like to thank the people who put this together, it means a lot."

Wylie's personal awards include the Bronze Star with combat distinguished device, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award

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