Headquarters and Headquaters Squadron host Change of Command Ceremony

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan -- Lt. Col. Brian Ashford relinquished his duties as the commanding officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Installations Pacific to Lt. Col. Eric Starr during a change of command ceremony in the Magic Hangar on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma June 21, 2019.

Ashford has served as the squadron commanding officer since May 2017.

During the ceremony, Ashford thanked everyone who contributed to the success of H&HS Squadron.

“We’ve experienced a lot in the past two years in this family. We’ve had our highest highs and lowest lows, “reflected Ashford, who served in Okinawa prior in the mid 2000’s. “We’ve experienced death and we’ve experienced birth, we’ve literally weathered storms together. Life happens fast, but I’m glad I at least got to be with you all for the past two years. Thank you.”

The new oncoming CO, Starr, reported to the squadron in April 2019, following a tour with Marine Corps Augmentation and Training Support Unit.

“I’ve been in the unit since April, and I can honestly say it’s already my family. I look forward to supporting all of you as the commanding officer, I’m looking forward to our future here at H&HS,” Starr stated.

The mission of H&HS, MCAS Futenma is to provide administrative, training and operational support to Futenma and tenant units in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force and MCIPAC missions. Within the Pacific Command’s area of operation they execute station administration, manpower management, ground training, unit level annual training, operational support flight and maintenance operations.