Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort --
Lieutenant Colonel Douglas DeWolfe relinquished command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 to Lt. Col. Derek M. Brannon in a ceremony on Merritt Air Field aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 22.
The ceremony included the passing of the colors, a performance from the Parris Island Marine Band and a pass and review carried out by Marines of VMFA-122. The passing of the colors signifies the change of command. During the ceremony, DeWolfe addressed his Marines directly.
"Keep doing the great things that you’re doing," said DeWolfe. "It has been a pleasure to serve with you and I’m going to miss this."
DeWolfe led VMFA-122 on many deployments including Japan, Alaska and Hawaii as part of the unit deployment program. The squadron also received a safety award under his command.
Prior to assuming command of VMFA- 122 in June 2013, DeWolfe had deployed to Japan, Iraq and Afghanistan.
VMFA-122 has an extensive history of service dating back to 1942. The Were
wolves have seen combat in World War II, Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and various deployments around the world in support of the Unit Deployment Program.
"You have to have a proud heritage and history," said DeWolfe. "You need people to carry it on."
Brannon, the new commanding officer of the werewolves, previously served as Marine Aircraft Group 31’s executive officer.
"You opened your arms and welcomed us immediately," said Brannon to the Marines of VMFA-122. "I cannot wait to work alongside each and every one of you."
DeWolfe will continue to serve as MAG-31 operations officer aboard MCAS Beaufort.