MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The setting sun cast its pink glow across the Iwakuni skyline as 140 Marines and sailors marched in perfect procession along the decorated flight line. The snap and pop of rifles echoed in unison as the troops executed precision drill movements before taking their places in what spectators witnessed as one of the oldest and proudest of Marine Corps traditions.
Col. Michael A. Dyer relinquished his command as station commanding officer to Col. Michael A. O’Halloran during a change of command ceremony on the flight line here Wednesday.
“I observed the majority of the ceremony and I thought it was flawless,” said Gunnery Sgt. Dan Ryley, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron squadron gunnery sergeant and Orlando, Fla., native.
Ryley spent nearly three weeks preparing the ceremony’s formation of H&HS Marines and sailors, and feels their professionalism was not lost on attendees or command.
“I know it made an outstanding impression on (Col. O’Halloran),” Ryley said. “It definitely showed him what type of unit and what type of air station he was coming to – an air station that is dedicated to accomplishing the mission at hand.”
O’Halloran, a native of State College, Pa., began his career in Marine Corps aviation flying AH-1 helicopters at Camp Pendleton in 1986. In a seven-year period he would complete four overseas deployments to include service in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Since 2001, O’Halloran has assumed duties as Deputy Commander, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay, and Deputy and Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa. During this time he also deployed to the Middle East in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
During the ceremony, O’Halloran expressed to attendees his pleasure in having the opportunity to lead an air station of Iwakuni’s caliber.
“I really can’t overstate the strategic importance of this base,” he said. “It’s just going to increase with the runway relocation project and the coming of Carrier Air Wing 5.”
“I can’t tell you how honored I am to be in a position to lead this installation,” he added.
Turning to Dyer, O’Halloran added how the air station’s success was attributed to its leadership.
“I couldn’t ask to walk into a better set of circumstances to assume command,” he said. “As I move forward, I’m going to be standing on the shoulder of the accomplishments you’ve made.”
Dyer, who has been the station’s commanding officer for three years, reports to Naval War College, Newport, R.I., Center for Advanced Research as a member of the Strategic Studies Group.
Dyer looks back fondly on his time spent in Iwakuni and the strong bonds formed with his troops and the local community.
“(Wife) Lisa and I have been very pleased with our tenure here. We have many memories and many great relationships,” said Dyer. “We will never forget Iwakuni nor will we forget Japan.”