Photo By Sgt. Mary Carmona | The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band performs for the Marine Aircraft Group 26 change of...... read more read more
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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - Marine Aircraft Group 26 honored the leadership of their former commanding officer, Col. John Vara, and welcomed their newest commander, Col. Jeffrey Hogan, during a change of command ceremony held at the Mega Hangar aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River June 11.
In his two years at the helm of MAG-26, Vara was responsible for overseeing 22,424 flight hours, 34,936 passengers, 2,192,666 pounds of cargo carried and multiple deployments.
His vast knowledge of the MV-22 Osprey and profound ability to mentor Marines resulted in unprecedented leadership of the MAG, said Maj. Gen. Robert Hedelund, commanding general, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and guest speaker at the ceremony.
"There’s nowhere on the planet MV-22s are not wanted," Hedelund said. "He (Vara) is going to rave about the Marines in MAG-26, but that is a talented and unprecedented leadership display here today from Col. Vara. I try to be a good advocate for Vara, and the MAW, and the MAG, but he taught me all of it."
Vara was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony, for his countless accomplishments and dedicated service during his time as leader of MAG-26.
"This MAG has been going very fast for a long time, and it has performed magnificently across the globe," Vara said. "We have exceeded what was programmed, and we are doing it smartly but honestly. The Marines and sailors out here are making it happen. I can’t tell you how proud I am to be counted among these heroes."
Finally, Hogan gave his first speech as commander of MAG-26, expressing his gratitude for the hard work of the Marines he now commands.
"Every day that you wake up, there are Marines out there doing hard work," Hogan said. "They’re cold, hungry, tired or hot but they’re out there working on aircraft that can be cantankerous in a time of diminishing resources and increasing requirements. It’s a tough deal but they do it. They’re just amazing people."
| Date Taken: | 06.11.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.19.2015 11:01 |
| Story ID: | 167299 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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