Col. Sean McBride says goodbye to local Okinawan friends

Photo By Sgt. Jessica Etheridge | Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson shakes hands with the local community leaders that attended the change of command ceremony on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 9, 2016. McBride relinquished his duties as the commanding officer of III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group and Camp Hansen to Col. Brian Howlett. Howlett will take on the responsibilities leading the Marines under his command and continuing the relationships McBride set with the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld/Released)  

CAMP HANSEN , OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.09.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Jessica Etheridge 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan – “People tend to ask me what I am going to miss most about Okinawa, I can say without hesitation that my family’s most cherished memory will be the hospitality offered to us and the Marines of Camp Hansen,” said Col. Sean M. McBride.
McBride relinquishes his duty as the commanding officer for III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group and Camp Hansen to Col. Brian Howlett on June 9, 2016.
Beyond his duty of taking care of his Marines on Camp Hansen he also assisted in continuing a strong relationship with the local communities including Kin Town, Ishikawa, Ginoza and Onna.
“Sean I want to thank you for the positive relationships you built within the surrounding communities,” said Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson the commanding general for III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Marines and Sailors on Camp Hansen followed his lead, spending time within the local communities on a steady basis, visiting their recreational attractions and dining at their restaurants.
“The relationship between Camp Hansen and our local communities has held up the standard for the way our civil and military affairs should be conducted,” said McBride. “That is because of the members of the town’s leadership and also the wonderful people who live in the communities.”
Under his command, the bond between the local community and Camp Hansen has remained strong due to the constant interaction between the two; Opening the base gates to allow the local community to visit the camp’s facilities, barbecues at Nature Mirai Park, softball tournaments, beach clean ups, local festivals and normal weekend outings.
McBride spent many hours of his time staying connected with the community surrounding Camp Hansen and building relationships he will never forget.
“I have never on the face of this earth, including my hometown, have I ever felt more welcomed then when I do when I visit with you,” McBride stated.

• Date Taken: 06.09.2016
• Date Posted: 06.09.2016 09:39
• Story ID: 200489
• Location: CAMP HANSEN , OKINAWA, JP