CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), officially handed over authority to the I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward) during a transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 8.
Col. Steven M. Hanson, the incoming commander of Task Force Belleau Wood, Afghanistan and commanding officer I MHG, received the reigns from outgoing commander, Col. Michael E. Cordero.
Hanson said he was happy to be in the position of commanding officer, especially since it gave him a chance to return to Camp Leatherneck. He was deployed here until March of 2011 as the I MEF Regional Command Southwest director of intelligence. He said when he left, there were feelings of unfinished business.
“I think it’s absolutely great,” said Hanson. “As crazy as it sounds, I was really happy to learn I could come back. I feel fortunate, almost blessed that I was able to come back on the mission over here, this is where everybody wants to be.”
The ceremony began with the invocation followed by the casing of II MHG colors and the uncasing of I MHG colors to signify the handover of authority. The accomplishments of II MHG were highlighted in a narrative, followed by remarks from Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan.
“As a commander, you’re the one that calls all the shots and there’s a lot of responsibility in that, particularly when it comes to caring for and making sure the people in your charge can operate safely,” said Toolan of the commanding officers.
Toolan spoke confidently of the incoming I MHG staff and applauded II MHG’s efforts.
“I also know the team coming in has some great credentials,” said Toolan. “They’re going to be able to take the ball and run with it.”
“To Col. Cordero, you guys did a tremendous job,” said Toolan.
Cordero gave many thanks to those who have helped him along the way.
“I can’t believe I’m still living the dream,” said Cordero. He said the harder anyone works, the luckier they will get.
“I look forward to the day I can come back with my grandkids and show them what we’ve done here as a team and show them the potential this country has, a lot of blood sweat and tears and hard work has gone on and will continue with I MHG,” said Cordero.
Hanson presented a positive closing statement about the future of his mission.
“We’ve trained hard, we’re ready for the mission, we have a winning culture and we will succeed,” said Hanson. “Our nation is at war, the expectations for us are high, but through dedication and teamwork, we will deliver.
Cordero once said the biggest challenge he faced as commanding officer of Task Force Belleau Wood was threefold.
“I would say to balance the three priorities that the president has laid out for us—you have the governance and economics, that you can’t do without security. So here were are, providing not only security, but we’re teaching them how to do good government by mentoring their lawyers, showing them the way we do our justice system, our discipline,” said Cordero.
Cordero said The Commander’s Emergency Response Program, has helped build wells, employ schoolteachers and rebuild stores. It also helps employ Afghans on short-term bases as police officers.
“So the security we provide plus the CERP, leads them to economics which leads them to good governance.”
As Hanson takes the lead, he has very high hopes in regards to the partnership with Afghan security forces and their ability to take over. He holds a determined and confident outlook towards the next year as the commanding officer of I MHG.
“You’re probably going to find me more optimistic than most about the future of Afghanistan,” said Hanson.