Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -- Col. Robert B. Sofge relinquished his command of Marine Aircraft Group 14 to Col. Eric Austin during a ceremony here, June 26.
Sofge, who assumed command in October 2012, leaves MAG-14 headed for Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Plans and Polices in Washington.
"I am sad to leave the group and the many professionals that serve here," said Sofge. "But I am excited about the new opportunities at headquarters. I am excited for the group's new commander to make it his own."
MAG-14, comprised of more than 10 squadrons, is charged with supporting the Marine Air-Ground Task Force or Joint Coalition Forces and conduct fleet replacement training in order to provide combat capable aircrews and pilots to operational squadrons.
Sofge said the group's staff did an excellent job handling the execution of deployments from each squadron during his tenure.
"I am tremendously proud to have been a commander of a group that showcased their readiness and support each day for its squadrons," said Sofge.
Sofge declared the keys to his success was trust between his commanders and giving them the tools to be successful.
"For the group as a whole, I would just like to say job well done, thank you for your service and to keep working hard," said Sofge.
Austin arrives at MAG-14 after serving a two-year tour as the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing's operations officer in Okinawa, Japan.
"I feel very humbled to be taking over the group from Col. Sofge," said Austin. "I am very excited to be returning to North Carolina with the opportunity to lead Marines."
This is Austin's third tour at the air station, last serving here in 2002 with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 as an AV-8B Harrier instructor pilot.
"My plan for the group is to continue in the great direction we are heading in," said Austin. "I look forward to the opportunity to enable Marines to do their jobs, and to meet with the senior leaders to determine the best way to influence them."