MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Military Police Company stood in formation for the last time today before their company first sergeant dismissed them, following the unit's de-activation during a ceremony at their headquarters building aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.
The company was activated on April 25, 2009 and comprised of a headquarters section and 4 platoons, located at Marine Corps Air Stations Beaufort, New River and Cherry Point.
Headquarters Marine Corps sent down the de-activation order, Marine Corps Bulletin 5400, in mid 2011.
"This and all other MP Companies Marine Corps wide will be shutting down and consolidating in three large battalions that will be known as the 'Law Enforcement Battalion,'" said Capt. Jonathon C. Ajinga, the commanding officer of 2nd MAW MP Company. "Each of the Marine Expeditionary Forces will have a battalion of MP's. These Marines will be under the direct command of the MEF and will be assigned duties as seen fit."
Lance Cpl. Jeffery A. Hanson, a military police officer with the company, said this is a move that will benefit all the Marines in the company.
"In doing this de-activation, the Marine Corps is building a stronger military police force,'' said Hanson. "This will give all of us a chance to do more than just the mission of providing security. We will also have a better chance for deployment and more in-depth training."
In closing the ceremony, Ajinga and Gunnery Sgt. Don D. Ketcham, the company first sergeant, expressed their gratitude to the Marines in the job they've done over three years.
"These Marines have accomplished every task they have been assigned from deployments to police mentoring," said Ketchum. "They have supported the missions of all the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Support Squadrons at Cherry Point or in theater."
After the final orders were given, the Marines bid farewell and went their separate ways, bringing with them, their memories of MP Company.
"This is both a happy and sad day for me," said Cpl. Patrick S. Shelley, a squad leader for MP Company. "I returned from my first deployment just as this company was being activated. I have been here since day one and although this is a great thing for the Marine Corps, it is both bitter sweet and sad to see this short chapter of my life end."