AL ASAD, Iraq (May 7, 2004) -- In an unprecedented occurrence here, two East Coast squadrons, attached to a West Coast aircraft group, carried out a dual change of command ceremony, April 30.

Lt. Col. James D. "Stripper" Grace, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Christopher M. "Tone" Clayton as simultaneously Lt. Col. Michael H. "Shepard" Belding passed the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 colors to Lt. Col. John R. "Bones" Parker.

Though both are 2nd MAW units, they are currently attached to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"One of the unique things about this deployment is that there are aviation and support units from every Marine Aircraft Wing in the Marine Corps brought together to perform a mission in support of First Marine Expeditionary Force," said Belding, a Waynesboro, Pa., native. 

Clayton, who has been the executive officer for HMLA-167 since November 2003, credited his deployment with the unit for benefiting him in the job ahead.

 "This opportunity I have been afforded has been absolutely invaluable," said Clayton. "The transition will be smooth, because I have been intimately involved in the plans and execution of the current deployment."

A self-proclaimed military brat, Clayton is originally from Kentucky, but now claims Jacksonville, N.C., "home" for his family.  Speaking of Grace, a Portland, Ore., native, and about taking command of the "Warriors," Clayton remarked, "It's an honor and privilege to take command and accept this squadron - it's like a finely tuned race car, already running in great shape...now it's my turn to drive.

"Stripper and I were friends before, but as I worked for him as his (executive officer), I have only grown to admire him more for his leadership and genuine concern for his Marines and Sailors," Clayton added. "We are closer friends now for that."

The "Raging Bulls" of HMM-261 and the HMLA-167 "Warriors" have flown dozens of missions together, with 167's AH-1W Super Cobras and UH-1N Hueys flying alongside 261's CH-46E Sea Knights or "Phrogs," so the opportunity to change command together just seemed to fit, according to Belding.

"Normally, when we go composite as a Marine Expeditionary Unit (Aviation Combat Element), HMLA-167 provides our Cobra and Huey attachments. We work closely with one another at (Marine Corps Air Station) New River and having an opportunity to share a change of command in a combat theater is just another unique opportunity brought to us by the present circumstances," said Belding.

Obviously the team worked, as both Grace and Belding received Meritorious Service Medals and were lauded for their unsurpassed and unparalleled proficiency in their fields by Lt. Gen. H. P. Osman, commanding general, II MEF.

In his official message to Grace, honored guest, Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, commanding general, 3rd MAW said, "Your squadron has displayed a level of enthusiasm and discipline indicative of a world-class organization. It is readily apparent that the "Warriors" have thrived under your leadership."

To Belding, Amos wrote, "Shepard, ...I have personally flown with your squadron many times and have walked away in each instance totally impressed...I am truly grateful for having had you at the helm leading this fine squadron."

Grace, whose next tour of duty takes him to the Naval War College, gave much credit to his Marines who, after having just returning from an eight-month deployment, spent only a few months home and redeployed in support of OIF II. 

"Each of you wanted the chance to deploy with your parent squadron, even if that meant the hard sacrifices of leaving your family behind again. For that I will always be grateful to you and your families.

"This is a humble squadron that goes about it's business with quiet confidence and utmost care and concern for it's Marines," he added during the ceremony, before again thanking the families back home.

Belding began his remarks by thanking his wife, Lisa, and saying she is the "key ingredient to the success of this unit, as well as my career." 

He also placed great credit on his Marines calling them "the finest Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron in the fleet," and saying, "I think the real key to our success has been setting realistic goals and teamwork. Each Marine doing the best he can do every day with the (staff noncommissioned officers) and NCOs keeping in sight the ultimate goal."

After returning to MAG-26, Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and some leave, Belding is scheduled to join the staff at Exercise Desert Talon II in Yuma, Ariz., before attending National War College in Washington, D.C., in the fall. 

However, Belding also had this to say to his Marines, "The Marines of HMM-261, the 'Raging Bulls,' have set the standard for Marine Medium Helicopter squadrons. They have provided assault support in hostile conditions to deliver Marines to their destinations, and re-supplied those in need of water, chow and ammunition. They have evacuated the injured for medical care and with dignity, carried fallen comrades from the battlefield. They have acted unselfishly and made significant contributions in the War on Terrorism. I could not be prouder of these Marines and what they have accomplished."

Parker, who floated with Belding in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, said of Belding, "He is one of the finest squadron (commanding officers) I have ever seen. He possesses and exercises all the right leadership traits any unit could ask for. His guidance in preparing the squadron for war was established months ago and right on target. Much of the success the squadron has attained here in Iraq is due to his vision and leadership."

Parker, who like Clayton, comes from a military background, claims Greenville, S.C., as his
hometown. However, the second-generation Marine pilot also claimed Jacksonville, N.C., and Beeville, Texas, as "home." 

Having been Belding's executive officer for seven months, he, like Clayton, has had an opportunity to get to know the Marines and Sailors who are now under his command.

Parker began his comments with a joke, recognizing his wife, Tonya, as the new "head cow" for his "Raging Bulls."  Once the laughter of the close-knit group quieted, he kept his remarks brief saying, "It is an honor and privilege to take command of a unit of true war fighters such as the 'Raging Bulls.' I ask that they keep standing up and being counted, because each and every one of them is making a difference.  Both here in Iraq and on the Global War on Terrorism."

Throughout the ceremony, carried out by the Marines and Sailors of MAG-16, there was a noticeable difference from the norm in the number of service members forming the platoons. Even with the festivities of the day, no one forgot that members of all the units present had elements in the air above Iraq carrying out missions, and that there are many challenges to face in the upcoming months. 

"I cannot think of anywhere I would rather be than here with you as part of America's 'terrible swift sword,'" said Clayton, closing his remarks. "I am proud to be your commander, and look forward to the challenges which lay ahead."