MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The Marine Corps Engineer School aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune conducted a change of command ceremony at Courthouse Bay June 15.
Col. Peter M. Raney, commanding officer of MCES for the last two years, relinquished command of the school to Lt. Col. Jeffrey J. Johnson.
Johnson served as the command inspector general for Marine Corps Installations East - Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for the last year before assuming command of the school.
The majority of the Marines in the ceremony were students currently attending the school. The 2nd Marine Division Band also was in attendance and provided music for the event.
Sgt. Maj. Veney Cochran, command sergeant major of the Marine Corps Engineer School, handed the unit guidon to Raney who then passed it onto Johnson, signifying the official relinquishment and change of command.
Raney spoke with gratitude for the opportunity he had to be the commanding officer of the school, saying the Marines he worked with there had the greatest work ethic of any command he was in charge of. He thanked former co-workers and family for their encouragement and presence at the ceremony.
Johnson spoke after Raney and also thanked friends and family for supporting him for attending the event. He said he looked forward to taking charge of MCES and plans to pick up right where Raney left off.
Raney is assuming command of the Marine Corps Installations East - Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune command inspector general, which was Johnson’s previous post.