MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (May 7, 2010) -- “Ladies and gentleman please rise for the transfer of colors,” said the ceremony’s narrator, Gunnery Sgt. Jacob S. Calhoun.
With family, friends, peers and Major General James F. Flock in attendance, Lt. Col. James F. Harp passed-off Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366’s colors to Lt. Col. Halstead Meadows, outside the squadron’s hangar with unit super stallion helicopters in the backdrop.
The battle colors of a Marine Corps unit represent the accountability and authority of command, which is symbolically passed when the guidon transfers from one commander to another.
Harp assumed command of the “Hammerheads” Sept. 30, 2008, reactivating the unit as the Marine Corps’ seventh active duty CH-53E helicopter squadron.
When called to the podium, Harp had nothing but words of gratitude and appreciation for the people who served with him over the past 19 months.
“You’re a product of what’s helped shape you, the individual, along the way,” said Harp of his own personal development.
Harp made it known that Meadows is receiving a great squadron.
“A lot has been accomplished by these Marines’ hard work over the past 19 months, and I give them the credit,” said Harp.
Next, Harp will attend top level school at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa.
Meadows recently came from Marine Aircraft Group 40, the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade aviation combat element, officer for combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
“To the Hammerheads, it is my pleasure and true honor to serve with you,” said Meadows. “We’re going to do great things.”