Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commanding general of the 4th MAW speaks with Col. Adam P....... read more read more
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By Sgt. Chris T. Mann
MAG 41
JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas – Col. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding officer of Marine Air Group 41, relinquished his command to Col. Adam P. Holmes, during an official Marine Corps ceremony, Aug.20.
Family members and friends of MAG-41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, gathered on the flight line here to watch the ceremonial transfer of authority.
“Wolfy (Iiams), you are a force multiplier. You took a Reserve MAG and made them fully capable of going down range and deploying to combat,” said Maj. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commanding general 4th MAW. “This is a sad day because we are losing a commander, but also a welcoming day because we are gaining a great leader.”
Iiams is leaving Fort Worth for an active duty command at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Holmes was previously assigned as the II Marine Expeditionary Force future operations officer at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Holmes has a past history with Marine Corps aviation and is a C-130 aircraft pilot. He has flown several models of C-130s and has also flown 40 combat missions while deployed.
Holmes has had previous combat experience in Iraq, where he served as the battle captain in the Tactical Air Command Center for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. He also participated in operations in Turkey, Kenya, Somalia and Rwanda.
“I have full confidence in your abilities to take control of this command and the fully capable expeditionary ACE (aviation combat element),” said Iiams.
Iiams is an F/A-18 Hornet pilot with more than 500 hours of combat flight and 270 combat missions, and will now take his experience to Cherry Point.
Iiams has deployed to Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq to support Marine Corps combat operations.
“There is no separation between reserve and active duty,” he said. “The seven commanders do an outstanding job of leading the MAG and the 1800 Marines.”
Holmes took the microphone and spoke to guests and family members, and finally addressed his new Marines for the first time as the commanding officer.
“Thank you Col. Iiams for everything you have done and the sacrifices you have made with MAG-41,” Holmes told him during the ceremony.
“I continually think about our three unique flags flying here at the MAG,” said Holmes referring to the Texas flag, the United States flag and the Marine Corps flag.
“We will be ready to move rapidly across the globe, and we will continue to support the values of the Marine Corps,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 08.26.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2011 14:23 |
| Story ID: | 76003 |
| Location: | FORT WORTH, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 839 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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