Marines


MCAS Cherry Point News

 

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Lt. Col. Ryan G. Goulette, commanding officer of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, bids farewell to Sgt. Maj. William S. Harvey at Miller’s Landing during a ceremony in which Harvey relinquished his position as squadron sergeant major Feb. 17. Harvey believes that the position of sergeant major sets the commanding officer up to maximize his ability to command.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Scott L. Tomaszycki

Passing of sword from one leader to next

23 Feb 2011 | Lance Cpl. Scott L. Tomaszycki

Sgt. Maj. William S. Harvey passed on his sword and authority as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. John Canty Jr. in a ceremony Feb. 17 at Miller’s Landing.

Harvey has been the sergeant major of MALS-14 since February 2009 and received a gold star on the Meritorious Service Medal in lieu of second award for his outstanding work with MALS-14.

Canty has been acting sergeant major of MALS-14 for the past month while Harvey has been at a senior enlisted professional military education course. Based on this experience, Canty believes the future of MALS-14 will be a very positive one.

“I’m excited to be here. This is my first time with a Marine aircraft wing,” said Canty. “I’ve been on deck for 30 days and it’s been a very professional experience for me thus far, and I’m very positive that it will be that way as we move forward. I’d like to assure the leadership and Marines of MALS-14 that I look forward to serving each and every one of you as your sergeant major.”

Lt. Col. Ryan G. Goulette was just as enthusiastic about Canty’s work with MALS-14.

“Your experience, your knowledge, your breadth and depth of experience that you bring to the table, I’ve been impressed with,” Goulette said, speaking to Canty. “I look forward with excitement to the days, weeks and months that we have left together.”

Harvey worked for MALS-14 for two years to bring the best out of his Marines. He believes that the position of sergeant major enables the commanding officer to command with maximum effectiveness, and Canty will fill this job well.

According to Harvey, the sergeant major of any unit helps the enlisted Marines with the problems they face and advises the commanding officer on their issues. This effectively takes a large workload off the commanding officer and better enables him to make the most of their command.


Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point