Photo By Reina Vasquez | Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 26 stand in formation and present the colors as the...... read more read more
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq — In the midst of a week-long dust storm, with winds kicking up even more dust, Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 26 stood tall and sharp in formation for their group's change of command ceremony, July 4.
MAG-26 has been under the command of Col. Steven Rudder for nearly two years, but Saturday morning, Rudder turned over the reins to Col. J. Scott O'Meara.
Brig. Gen. Robert Walsh, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), began the ceremony by praising Rudder and his Marines.
"You are a steadfast and superb leader," Walsh said to Rudder. "You've always maintained a proactive approach in all you do and you take care of your Marines."
The general also spoke of Rudder's commitment to the MV-22 Osprey program and how under his lead, he made it a successful program. Rudder, he said, was responsible for transitioning six Marine Medium Helicopter Squadrons into Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadrons.
Rudder said it was an honor to serve during such a historic time in our nation's history.
This deployment will make the fourth time O'Meara has served aboard Al Asad Air Base. He was here in 2004.
"This is such a unique transition...seeing the difference we've made from 2004 to now, it's very good," said O'Meara.
"I'm looking forward to continuing the great effort the MAG has done in supporting Multi-National Force-West and getting back with the Marines. This forward mission is so unique, and to be able to close this phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom is awesome," explained O'Meara.
Rudder spoke of his time commanding MAG-26 as one where he was surrounded by the strength of his Marines and the full spectrum of capabilities they brought with them.
"They're the most motivated Marines I've ever served with," he said of the Marines of MAG-26. "I'm going to miss their individual personalities. Everyone from the lance corporal to the lieutenant colonel...I consider them brothers and sisters forever."
As Rudder leaves Al Asad, he heads to the Pentagon, where he'll assume the duties of deputy commandant for the Marine Aviation Branch.
"I feel humbled and this is just an awesome experience," O'Meara said. "I'm ready to go." With that, O'Meara thanked those Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and civilians in attendance, and the ceremony came to a close.
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2009 05:37 |
| Story ID: | 36009 |
| Location: | AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 310 |
| Downloads: | 145 |
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