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Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467’s new commanding officer, Lt. Col. William J. Bartolomea, remarks how excited he is to be a part of his new squadron Nov. 9. 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jon M. Davis and Lt. Col. Ryan S. Rideout, were among the many in the audience.

Photo by LANCE CORPORAL ANDREA CLEOPATRA DICKERSON

Cherry Point's HLMA-467 welcomes new commanding officer

22 Nov 2011 | Lance Cpl. Andrea Cleopatra Dickerson Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Lt. Col Ryan S. Rideout relinquished command of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 to Lt. Col. William J. Bartolomea during a change of command ceremony at the HMLA-467 hangar on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Nov. 9.

Change of command ceremonies are time-honored traditions that officially reaffirm to Marines the authority and stability of the commanding officer’s position. The ceremonies signify the transfer of responsibility from one officer to another.

During the ceremony, Rideout wished Bartolomea well. “He is a phenomenal guy,” said Rideout about Bartolomea. “He is the right guy at the right time.”

Rideout said that he has complete confidence in Bartolomea’s abilities to lead, so he didn’t need to leave the new commanding officer with any words of advice

“I hope to continue what Lt. Col. Rideout has built here at HMLA-467,” said Bartolomea. “Quite honestly, I think that this is one of the best squadrons in the wing. My job is to continue to keep us combat ready and help the Marines and their families achieve success in whatever they want to do.”

Bartolomea said he looks forward to working with his new squadron. “I expect my Marines to be Marines 24/7 and to live their lives by honor, courage, and commitment,” said Bartolomea.

“He isn’t better looking, and he doesn’t have my dance moves,” Rideout said of Bartolomea. “But he is definitely smarter. He is a far better leader, and he is going to take the squadron to the next level.”

Bartolomea has deployed twice to the Pacific as part of the 11th and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units. He has also served as HMLA-169’s Administrative Officer while the squadron deployed to Al Taquadum, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2003, Bartolomea was assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion where he served as Forward Air Controller for Charlie Company during OIF. He returned to HMLA-169 in 2006. When the squadron deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he assumed the role of Director of Safety and Standardization.

After his 18-month tenure with HMLA-467, Rideout is becoming 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s director of aviation training systems, remaining here at MCAS Cherry Point.


Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point