Photo By Martin Egnash | Col. Jeffrey M. Hewlett salutes during the national anthem at a change of command...... read more read more
Subscribe
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - Col. Jeffrey M. Hewlett passed on the honors and responsibilities of commanding Marine Corps Air Station New River to Lt. Col. Mitchell E. Cassell during a change of command ceremony aboard the flight line, July 27.
The change of command ceremony also served as Hewlett’s retirement ceremony.
“I get more and more excited every day, but I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a feeling of trepidation,” said Hewlett. “The Marine Corps has been very good to my wife and I. Being a Marine is all I’ve done with my adult life. I’m going to miss it.”
Hewlett said he has thoroughly enjoyed his Marine Corps career. One of the highlights of his more than 28-year career included commanding Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 during the invasion of Iraq.
“The phenomenal young men and women I worked with then were some of the bravest people I’ve ever seen,” said Hewlett.
Another of his favorite duties has been commanding the air station. During his command, the air station has had many unique experiences ranging from hurricanes to presidential visits.
“This has been by far my most enjoyable tour in the Marine Corps,” said Hewlett. “The relationships we’ve developed here with the tenant squadrons have allowed us to do the best we can every day.”
Hewlett and Cassell are no strangers.
“We deployed together back in ’93 when we were both captains in (Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron) 461,” said Cassell. “After knowing each other for 20 years, the history and friendship has made the turnover very easy.”
Cassell is the former commanding officer of HMH-466 aboard MCAS Miramar Calif., and has previously served at this air station.
“New River was my first duty station,” said Cassell. “I look forward to continuing what my predecessor has done, and trying to make this the best air station in the Marine Corps.”
Before Hewlett officially retired, he gave the Marines aboard the air station one last piece of advice.
“The Marines who work here have some of the hardest jobs in the entire Marine Corps,” said Hewlett. “They have constant work and seldom get the credit they deserve. You need to take pride in what you do every day. Because we’re Marines, and that’s what we do.”
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.02.2012 09:05 |
| Story ID: | 92564 |
| Location: | NC, US |
| Web Views: | 252 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Lt. Col. Cassell takes command of MCAS New River, by Martin Egnash, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT