MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Col. Jeff S. Kojac assumed command of Marine Air Control Group 28 from Col. Peter J. DeVine during a ceremony at the Marine Air Control Squadron 2 parade field here Dec. 5.
Following 34 years of honorable service to his country and the Marine Corps, DeVine is retiring. DeVine thanked his Marines for their work during his tenure.
"My achievements as commanding officer of MACG-28 would not have been a success without the Marines behind me," said DeVine. "If you take the commanding officer out of a unit, you will still have these Marines. Even though for years I thought they would have to tear this uniform off in order for me to retire, there is no need. I couldn't think of a better way to leave the Corps than leaving as the commanding officer of Marine Air Control Group 28."
Kojac traveled across the country to take the helm of MACG-28; he last served as the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Chief of Staff at Marine Corps Air Station Futemna in Okinawa, Japan.
"Sir, the Marines, Sailors, families and the few civilians of MACG-28 will not fail you," said Kojac to Maj. Gen. Glenn M. Walters, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, who attended the ceremony.
Kojac said his goal is to continue the legacy DeVine has set forth for the group.
Kojac has served as the speechwriter for the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps and as director of defense policy for the National Security Council.