MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Lt. Col. Joseph F. Wade relinquished command of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, Marine Unit, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., to Lt. Col. Paul M. Melchior during a change of command ceremony at the air station’s Marine Dome, July 9.
“I’m awfully proud to have been called commanding officer of CNATT MARUNIT Cherry Point. Thanks,” said Wade as he told four platoons of his Marines who stood at parade rest for their former commander.
CNATT MARUNIT Cherry Point provides maintenance-specialized training to operate and sustain weapon systems and sub-systems supporting various aspects of organizational and intermediate-level maintenance across the spectrum of Marine Corps aviation.
Accessional Marines attend CNATT MARUNIT Cherry Point after completion of initial military occupational specialty-specific training at CNATT Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. Navy Capt. Bradley A. Martin, the commanding officer of CNATT Pensacola, served as the reviewing officer for the change of command ceremony here.
“Having the opportunity to be responsible for the development of young Marines helps me be better in tune with this generation of Marine,” Wade said. “I am more comfortable with their issues.”
Wade is set to become the program manager of the reset program at Naval Air Systems Command at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.
“It is an awesome opportunity to have a job where I can impact the future of Marine Corps aviation,” Wade said of his new assignment.
Melchior, CNATT MARUNIT Cherry Point’s new commanding officer, most recently served at NAS Patuxent River, assigned to Program Manager Air 257 as the assistant program manager for logistics supporting the AV-8B Harrier.
“You’ve been waiting for this day for quite awhile,” Martin said to Melchior during his remarks in the ceremony. “Command is given to very few.”
Wade also said he thinks Melchior will do well in his position.
“He is the right guy, coming from an AV-8 program that has provided him with the right experiences,” Wade said. “Serving aboard Cherry Point as CNATT commanding officer offers the fortunate opportunity of being able to assist in the formation of aviation in the Marine Corps.”