PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Presidio's Marine Corps Detachment (MARCORDET), Presidio of Monterey welcomed a new leader during a ceremony held here July 10.
Lt. Col. Patrick Simon, outgoing commander of the Marine Corps Detachment Presidio of Monterey, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Rodrick McHaty, incoming commander during a well-attended event held under sunny, clear skies on Soldier Field.
"I have a lot of people to thank today before I go, at the Defense Language Institute, at the Presidio of Monterey Garrison and at the Family Morale Welfare and Recreation offices who were always--always -- there to support Marines." Simon said in his remarks from the lectern after the ceremonial handing over of the Marine colors to McHaty.
Simon's next duty station is on the island nation of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. He said he and his family will take with them enduring friendships and memories.
"I also leave the Presidio knowing that the unit is in good hands." Simon added with emphasis.
"To the Marines that I see out on the field today I want to say that it has been a privilege to serve with you. "The world is changing faster than ever, the world is becoming more dangerous, not less, and your country is going to need your honor, your courage and your commitment." said Simon.
"Seeing junior Marines grow in confidence and self-assuredness as they learn and take up new responsibilities, that never gets old for me. To each and every one of you I wish the very best of luck and Godspeed."
During the ceremony, McHaty said he was eager to take up his duties and honored to be taking over command of a detachment that Simon had taken such good care of.
"I'll keep this short" said McHaty, "I am honored to be your new commanding officer, and I'll do my very utmost to provide you with confident leadership in the coming years."
ABOUT THE MARINE CORPS DETACHMENT, PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY
The Marine MARCORDET Presidio of Monterey is under the command of the Marine Corps Training and Education Command in Quantico, Va., and is administratively responsible for more than 700 Marines attending training at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center and Naval Postgraduate School.
The detachment is broken into four companies: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Headquarters. Alpha, Bravo and Charlie companies are organized by language.
All officer students and permanent staff are organized into Headquarters Company, with the exception of the assigned student company commanders.
Officers attending Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) are administratively assigned to MARCORDET Presidio. The world-class faculty of the NPS trains military officers from all services, U.S. government agencies and allied nations on real-world military and defense issues. The Marine Corps Representative, Naval Postgraduate School is responsible for day-to-day accountability and training for NPS Marines.
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