MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Lt. Col. William J. Bartolomea relinquished command of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 to Lt. Col. Matthew R. Sale during a ceremony at the squadron’s hangar Friday.

“Incremental improvement leads to greatness,” said Bartolomea during his final speech. “I love that quote because it takes dedicated effort on everybody’s part, every day, to try to improve. As you improve over time, all of sudden you look around and you’re great. This squadron is great.”

During the ceremony, Bartolomea spoke about his time in the squadron and about how Sale will continue to lead HMLA-467 forward.

“There’s still an upward slope to where the ‘Sabers’ are going to go, and the guy that is going to take you there is Lt. Col. Sale,” he said.

Sale last served as the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Tactical Air Command Center senior watch officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from December 2012 to June 2013.

“I’m honored to be here,” said Sale. “I am excited to see what we will achieve together over the coming 18 months as we cover the next chapter in the HMLA-467 history book.”

Sale pointed to Bartolomea’s leadership for the squadron’s already high state of readiness.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better squadron,” said Sale. “You set the bar extremely high, and I accept your challenge to carry it forward.”