CAMP LEJEUNE. N.C. - Marines from 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, filled W.P.T. Hill Field dressed in their service “A” uniforms to witness a change in the regiment’s leadership aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. March 7, 2013.
Sgt. Maj. David L. Jobe, who served as the sergeant major for 8th Marines since June 2010, was relieved by Sgt. Maj. George O. Rabidou during the command’s relief and appointment ceremony. Before serving as the sergeant major for 8th Marines, Jobe served as the sergeant major for Recruiting Station Dallas.
During his time as the regiment’s sergeant major, Jobe deployed with Regimental Combat Team 8 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.
Jobe is leaving 8th Marines to become the sergeant major of 1st Marine Division aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
He said he couldn’t ask for a better place to be, and the opportunity to be a regimental sergeant major is something he won’t forget.
“It’s a bittersweet deal,” Jobe said. “I’m happy to be going to 1st Marine Division, but I’m not happy to leave 8th Marines after all we’ve done.”
Rabidou served as 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion’s sergeant major since July 2010, whom with he deployed to Afghanistan with the battalion.
“It is an honor to work as the sergeant major for 8th Marines,” said Rabidou. “I hope to follow in Sgt. Maj. Jobe’s footsteps and carry on the proud traditions he set in place.”
The regiment is excited to welcome in its new sergeant major and to see what new changes he brings to the table.