NORFOLK, Va. – Sgt. Maj. William R. Frye relinquished his duties as Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Darby J. Noonan during a relief and appointment ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, April 2.
As Frye, a native of Richmond, Virginia, closes another chapter during his Marine Corps career, he leaves the largest Marine Corps regiment and prepares to start a new chapter as the Marine Forces Europe and Africa sergeant major in Stuttgart, Germany.
Frye said he and Noonan have a history together and has full faith and confidence in his abilities in leading the regiment to bigger and better things in the future.
“He’s a proven leader, and he’s going to come in here and do a great job,” said Frye. “You don’t just become the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment sergeant major without being a good leader.”
During Frye’s time at the regiment, he spoke highly of the Marines and being able to accept any mission given to them.
“The commandant of the Marine Corps has asked us to be ready,” said Frye. “I would tell you I would have no problem going to see the commandant of the Marine Corps or anyone of our commanders and tell them that the Marines in this regiment are ready at any given time. There’s not a mission we can’t accomplish.”
Col. James M. Bright, the regiment’s commanding officer, said Noonan “doesn’t necessarily have large shoes to fill but a large responsibility to assume” after Frye departs for his new assignment, but is confident the regiment will be in good hands.
“I know (Noonan) is going to do well, and we are super excited to have him here,” said Bright. “He is going to take this responsibility for the next few years for some great times and great responsibility.”
As Bright addressed the Marines in formation, he spoke of Frye’s tireless efforts and commitment to the regiment’s Marines and his compassion to mission accomplishment.
“You have no greater friend than Sgt. Maj. Frye, regardless if you’re in Cuba, Japan, Bahrain, Chesapeake or in the greater Norfolk area,” said Bright. “He took it upon himself each and every day to provide the best he could give you.”
Noonan, who relinquished his duties as the sergeant major for 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Special Operations Command, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, said the regiment is a unique unit with “a huge responsibility” and is up to the challenge of building on Frye’s accomplishments.
“I want to thank the Marines for the warm welcome and appreciate them for what they’ve done so far,” said Noonan, a Quantico, Virginia, native. “I was very excited when I got the orders. I couldn’t wait to get up here and start this job. I’m looking forward to meeting and greeting all my Marines. I am excited and ecstatic on becoming the Marine Corps Security Forces Command sergeant major.”
Date Taken: | 04.02.2015 |
Date Posted: | 04.02.2015 20:40 |
Story ID: | 159042 |
Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
Hometown: | QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US |
Hometown: | RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, US |
Web Views: | 768 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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