CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd.) accepted responsibility of coalition air combat efforts in the Regional Command Southwest area of operations from 3rd MAW (Fwd.) in a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 9.
“2nd MAW comes in with a great reputation and Brig. Gen. Walters and Sgt. Maj. Prutch are going to do a superb job,” said Brig. Gen. Andrew W. O'Donnell Jr., the 3rd MAW (Fwd.) commanding general. “You are trained, ready to go, and people know what you are capable of.”
The casing of the 3rd MAW (Fwd.) battle colors symbolized the transition of aviation operational responsibilities in support of Regional Command Southwest to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., based 2nd MAW (Fwd.)..
“As I listened this morning to the orders that transferred responsibility from one command to another, I couldn’t help but think about what responsibility entails,” said Maj. Gen. Richard P. Mills, the commander of Regional Command Southwest. “It’s very easy to say it, but a lot tougher to do it.”
Mills said after a successful yearlong deployment, he has no doubt 3rd MAW (Fwd.). knows what the word responsibility means, and expressed his confidence in the capabilities of 2nd MAW (Fwd.) in the future.
“This is not a static unit,” said O’Donnell. “This unit is constantly changing. You’ve got to be alert from the day you arrive until the day you leave.”
Upon completion of their duties in Afghanistan, 3rd MAW (Fwd.) headquarters will return home to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
“I wish 3rd MAW a safe trip home,” said Mills. “Fair winds and following seas.”
The uncasing of the 2nd MAW (Fwd.) battle colors symbolized the assumption of responsibility as Regional Command Southwest’s aviation combat element in Afghanistan.
“Thank you to I MEF and 3rd MAW for setting us up for success,” said Brig Gen. Glenn M. Walters, the 2nd MAW (Fwd.) commanding general. “I am honored to have the privilege of leading our Marines into combat. 2nd MAW (Fwd.) will continue to bring the fight to the enemy by doing our most important job, supporting fellow Marines.”