Last month our family gathered at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY, where the United States Marines maintain a squadron of KC-130 aircraft – these are the huge transport planes that are now so essential to our military efforts – to see our cousin, Lt. Col. Timothy L. Adams, assume command of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452.
It was a very proud moment for him and us. This ceremony was impressive and was revealing of the order and pageantry employed by the Marines to celebrate such transitions. We were impressed at how the phalanxes of men and women marching to the old fashioned martial music brought so much strength and emotion to the occasion.
While I was watching, I realized that the ritual was an ancient one–particularly when the command colors were passed. That it was a contemporary occasion was made plain by the decision to eschew the iconic formal Marine tunics for, as the invitation dictated, “desert digital fatigues utility uniform.” This choice was in deference to the Marines deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. My cousin’s remarks were also mindful of these battles. Especially after he respectfully addressed the assembled guests and then turned to speak to the men and women he now commands.
Key to his remarks was the realization that a decade ago when 9/11 occurred, almost all of these Marines were children and teenagers living idyllic, carefree lives. He reminded these soldiers, who made their decision to enlist while we were at war, of the Marines’ tradition of service, its modern purpose, and the alacrity with which it performs its important duties.
Then in a final nod to a tradition unique to this squadron, he asked their former Commanding Officers to join him for the final "Pass and Review.“ They stood at attention and in timeless fashion, reviewed the troops.
I recorded most of his remarks and some pageantry on my iphone and have placed it on YouTube. Even without a familial connection, I think you will find it moving.
Lt. Col. Timothy L. Adams speaking
Top photo: Thomas Jayne and Lt. Col. Timothy L. Adams at Stewart Air National Guard Base.
Photos and video were taken by Thomas Jayne during Assumption of Command Ceremony at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, NY, August 6, 2011.
Thanks to Rachel Branciforti of Susan Becher PR for her video editing help.