Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. - --
Marine Wing Support Squadron 273,
also known as the Sweathogs, held a change of command ceremony aboard Marine
Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 21.
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. William Kohmuench relinquished command of the
squadron to Lt. Col. James Stone.
In his
final remarks as the Sweathogs commanding officer, Kohmuench said “I am humbled
and extremely proud of the Sweathogs and their achievements.”
MWSS-273 provides essential ground
support to the F/A-18 Hornet squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group 31. While
overseas, that essential support includes communications, weather, motor
transport, security and aircraft and ground refueling. Their most recent
deployment to Combat Outpost Shukvani, Afghanistan proved
successful.
“The Sweathogs
were inspired to do more than many thought possible and maintained high morale
in the most austere, remote and harshest circumstances,” said Kohmuench. “Our
achievements are a direct reflection of the potency and tactical proficiency
achieved through significant unit training, cohesion and understanding of
supported unit requirements.”
As Stone took charge of the squadron, he said
Kohmuench left “big
shoes to fill.”
“[Lt.
Col. William Kohmuench’s
command] is a continuing excellence that MWSS-273 has had in the recent past
and goes all the way back since the squadron was formed,” said Stone.
Kohmuench
will report to the United States Naval Academy as a battalion officer.