Photo By Cpl. Ali Azimi | Lt. Col. Daniel J. Wittnam takes command of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, from...... read more read more
Subscribe
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Lt. Col. Daniel J. Wittnam received command of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, from Lt. Col. Edward C. Greeley during the unit's Change of Command Ceremony held at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field Feb. 22, 2013.
The ceremony was held to honor the passing of leadership from one commander to another. It also provided a venue for the outgoing commander to make final remarks to his Marines and for the oncoming commander to make his first as the new leader.
“Assumption of command is about thanking everybody in your past that has helped shape, mentor and advise you,” Greeley said. “Relinquishing command is about thanking those who have supported you during your command.”
Greeley, a native of Denver, Colo., started his Marine Corps career in 1995 through the Officer Candidate Class program. His first duty station assignment brought him to the Combat Center as a rifle platoon commander for Suicide Charley. Since then, his role as a leader and teacher has taken him across the Corps and overseas on multiple combat deployments.
During his speech to the Marines and attendees of the ceremony, Greeley took time to thank a few of the many people who have helped him during his time in command. However, the biggest thanks were to his wife, Jess.
“Your courage is amazing. It’s humbling,” Greeley said. “You’ve shown undying support to the family and the battalion. Now it’s your turn.”
Greeley’s successor, Wittnam, also a Colorado native, started his Marine Corps career much like Greeley in 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. Wittnam later decided to commission via the Enlisted Commissioning Program as an infantry officer. Throughout his years in the Corps, he has led Marines stateside, in Japan and in combat zones. Before his assignment to the Combat Center, Wittnam served as the operations officer for 5th Marine Regiment and says he is proud to lead the Marines of 3/7.
The battalion’s reputation as warfighters precedes them, Wittnam said.
“No battalion has deployed more than 3/7 since 9/11,” he added. “I am honored and humbled.”
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.02.2013 16:14 |
| Story ID: | 102821 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 'Cutting Edge' welcomes new leader, by Cpl Ali Azimi, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
