CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Service members from 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group gathered to honor two men aboard Camp Lejeune.
Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher L. Hill was relieved of his post and Master Chief Petty Officer Michael J. Roberts took over responsibilities as the senior enlisted sailor for the battalion during a change of charge ceremony here, June 18.
During the ceremony, Hill was formally relieved by Navy Capt. Cameron L. Waggoner, the commanding officer for 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd MLG. As part of the ceremony, Hill passed a navy cutlass to Roberts as a symbol for passing responsibilities to the command’s new top enlisted advisor.
Historically the cutlass sword was used in ship to ship melee, in boarding parties, and to repel boarders.
In 1927, the ship and gunnery drill manual established that the chief petty officer of the guard would wear the prescribed uniform of the day of dress uniform, leggings and cutlass. In March 2010, the chief of naval operations authorized the cutlass as part of the chief petty officer’s uniform.
Hill served with the battalion for four years and was the command master chief petty officer for more than a year.
Hill was a strong advocate for sailors and Marines in 2nd Medical Battalion, and believes that junior service members are the military’s greatest asset.
During his post he conducted focus groups, where senior leaders got to know junior service members, and worked to strengthen their relationships and improve morale.
“The role of senior enlisted leader is unique to the military. They form a bond between officers and enlisted, and keep officers aware of what is important to service members in the command,” said Waggoner.
While Roberts said he wants to change some things with the battalion, for the most part he plans on continuing to operate the way Hill did.
“I am excited to start a new journey here, to continue the work of Master Chief Petty Officer Hill, and support our operational requirements, but most importantly to provide support and guidance to our Marines and sailors,” said Roberts.
Hill is currently awaiting orders to his next duty assignment and looks forward to future opportunities in the Navy.
“It’s been a pleasure working here, and I look forward to Master Chief Petty Officer Roberts coming in and bringing a fresh perspective to the battalion,” said Hill.