CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Lieutenant Col. Brian L. Gilman relinquished command of 1st Reconnaissance Battalion to Maj. Brian J. Von Herbulis during a change of command ceremony at Camp Margarita, June 21.
Gilman took command of 1st Recon Bn. in January of 2011 and led the battalion during their deployment to Afghanistan beginning November of that year. Despite conducting combat operations, the battalion did not lose any Marines or sailors during the deployment.
“It is my greatest professional honor to have served as a member of this battalion,” he said.
Gilman said he was sad to be leaving the battalion, but that he was not worried about the welfare of his Marines.
“You have a great leader taking the helm today,” Gilman said to his Marines. “I look forward to watching all the great things this battalion will accomplish under his leadership and guidance.”
Prior to reporting to 1st Recon Bn., Von Herbulis was the acting commanding officer of 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion. He deployed to Afghanistan as a company commander for the battalion in August 2010.
This will not be Von Herbulis’ first time serving with the unit. In October of 1997, Von Herbulis was assigned to the unit, which was known at the time as the 1st Reconnaissance Company, where he served as the company operations officer and a reconnaissance platoon commander. He deployed to Southwest Asia as a part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Von Herbulis went on to serve at The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory in Quantico, Va., developing the training, tactics and procedures used by Recon Marines in the field.
He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in August 2005 as the deputy chief of operations for the Joint Special Operations Task Force. After the deployment, he was reassigned to Marine Special Operations Command, where he served until being assigned back to 1st Recon Bn.
“I finally feel like I have returned home,” Von Herbulis said to the assembled Marines. “I’m very excited about being back here, and I look forward to our continued service to this great nation and our corps together.”
Von Herbulis’ personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.