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MCTBn holds assumption of command ceremony

By Lance Cpl. Scott W. Whiting | Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune | August 10, 2012

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Marines stand at present arms during Marine Combat Training Battalion’s Assumption of Command ceremony aboard Camp Geiger Aug. 10. Marines practiced extensively for the event and were commended by the incoming and outgoing commanding officers of the battalion during the ceremony. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Scott W. Whiting)

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Sgt. Maj. Clive O’Connor, Marine Combat Training Battalion sergeant major, hands the unit guidon to Maj. Carl A. Havens, who will hand it to Lt. Col. Billy R. Moore, signifying the official change of command during the battalion’s Assumption of Command ceremony aboard Camp Geiger Aug. 10. Havens relinquished command of MCTBn to Moore and is going to be the battalion executive officer. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Scott W. Whiting)

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CAMP GEIGER, N.C. --

School of Infantry East’s Marine Combat Training Battalion held an Assumption of Command ceremony aboard Camp Geiger Aug. 10.

Maj. Carl A. Havens relinquished command of MCTBn to Lt. Col. Billy R. Moore.

“The training these Marines learn in only 29 days stays with them for the rest of their military careers,” said Col. Barry J. Fitzpatrick, commanding officer of SOI East. “It makes this job one of the most important in all Marine Corps training. It’s the training all Marines receive, no matter what their (military occupational specialty) is.”

Havens is returning to his former position as the battalion’s executive officer.

“Being the commanding officer of MCTBn was quite challenging at times, but I learned a lot from it,” said Havens.

Fitzpatrick said he is happy Havens is staying with the battalion and looks forward to continue to work with him in the future.

Moore thanked his friends and family who were in attendance for coming to the ceremony. He said he looks forward to learning how to do the job and is happy Havens is staying nearby so he can learn from him as well.