Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Bryant relinquished command of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 to Lt. Col. Mathew A. Brown during a change-of-command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Dec. 10.

Brown is reporting to the squadron from the Department of Aviation at Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, where he served as the F/A-18 and adversary requirements officer.

“I’m looking forward to the future of this squadron,” said Brown. “I’ll get to be a part of an outstanding group of Marines and lead them to do great things.”

Brown has previously served as a ground safety officer and aircraft maintenance operations officer for VMFA(AW)-224.

“Being a part of the squadrons on base gave me a lot of experience and worthy information to better myself,” said Brown. “It helped me learn more about taking care of my Marines and sailors, to make sure they are well cared for. If they are physically and mentally strong they will work harder and put more into the end product.”

Bryant has commanded VMFA(AW)-533 since June 2014.

Prior to taking command of the squadron, Bryant has served in many capacities with VMFA(AW)-533 since 2002. His billets held include family readiness officer, operations officer and executive officer among others.

He has deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom and multiple unit deployments to the Western Pacific.

“I’ve learned and had a lot of fun while serving with 533,” said Bryant. “This squadron will always be my home and I can’t thank my Marines enough.”

“He would routinely be the first to shake a Marine or sailor’s hand when they arrived back to Fightertown, or the last when they departed,” said Col. Robert Cooper, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Friends and family were welcomed during the change of command ceremony by service members and previous commanders of the squadron.

“I am proud to join a long line of outstanding commanding officers,” said Brown.

After the ceremony, service members and special guests of the air station were invited to attend a reception in the VMFA(AW)-533 hangar.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my friends and family,” said Bryant. “Leaving is a bitter sweet evolution because it can be difficult to leave great Marines and sailors along with the great experiences I’ve had during my time here, but it is part of growing as a leader and Marine.”