Marine Corps Security Force Regiment change of command

Photo By 2nd Lt. Taylor Schrick | U.S. Marine Col. James W. Evans (left) and U.S. Marine Col. James M. Bright salute the companies of the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment during the pass and review at a change-of-command ceremony June 19 at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Va. The Marine Corps Security Force Regiment is the Marine Corps’ largest regiment with over 4,000 Marines and sailors spread across the globe.  

YORKTOWN, VA, UNITED STATES

06.19.2015

Story by Cpl. Taylor Schrick 

Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command

YORKTOWN, Va. - Col. James M. Bright relinquished his duties as Marine Corps Security Force Regiment commanding officer to Col. John W. Evans at a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Va., June 19.

A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility of a unit from the outgoing commanding officer to the incoming officer. The passing of the regimental colors signifies the official change of duties being placed into the hands of the next commanding officer.

Bright passes his duties of the world’s largest Marine Corps regiment onto Evans, as he pursues his career in becoming the professor of naval science at Texas A&M University.

The ceremony was held on the Kirkpatrick Field aboard the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, where the 2nd Marine Division band performed and Marines of the Security Force Regiment took part in drill movements and a pass and review.

The assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John M. Paxton, was in attendance at the ceremony, along with other officers and high-ranking service members.

Bright feels that he achieved the goals he set for his Marines of the Security Force Regiment and that they will continue to strive for more accomplishments.

“Our goals were to improve the readiness, to be mission capable when called, and never miss a requirement that is passed upon by the combat commanders, and those were absolutely achieved,” said Bright.

As Bright pursues his next career opportunity, he leaves with pride. He said he is proud of the over 4,000 Marines and sailors executing high-profile missions all across the globe.

“Each and every day they achieve the mission, and that’s the greatest thing,” said Bright.

Evans, the former director of logistics, with Special Operations Command Africa, describes his upcoming position as the commanding officer of Marine Corps Security Force Regiment as two main duties.

The primary responsibilities of the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment involve nuclear weapons security and the fleet anti-terrorism teams we provide to the geographic combatant commanders, said Evans.

Bright and Evans have worked in many places around the globe but they have never worked together. The change of command turnover process was the first chance the two
Marines had to work with each other.

Evans said he looks forward to working with the Marines of the regiment and would like to continue with their success they have had under Bright’s command.

“From what I’ve seen and have experienced is that the Marines are doing a phenomenal job,” said Evans “My goals would be to make sure we continue that and support the geographic combatant commanders and the Navy and their strategic weapons.”

• Date Taken: 06.19.2015
• Date Posted: 06.22.2015 15:33
• Story ID: 167669
• Location: YORKTOWN, VA, US