MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C -- Second Marine Division’s Anti-Terrorism Battalion was deactivated here, July 13, and in its stead, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, stood up.

The Anti-Terrorism Battalion supported efforts in the Global War on Terrorism for nearly three years. The battalion was designed to protect and defend the nation against terrorism and respond quickly in case of a terrorist attack. Although highly effective, the needs of the Marine Corps have changed.

“This is not a sad day for Anti-Terrorism Battalion,” said Lt. Col. Richard Jackson II, commanding officer of the Anti-Terrorism Battalion, in his farewell speech to the battalion. “We did what was necessary. Now it’s time to transition to what the current needs are today.”

Jackson also spoke of the legacy the short-lived battalion left behind.

“As the years go by, people will really come to appreciate and respect even more than they do today the significant contributions that the Anti-Terrorism Battalion has made,” Jackson said. “These Marines will live up to the proud history provided by 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines.”

Jackson also spoke of Lt. Col. Thad Trapp, the new commanding officer of the battalion.

“I don’t think the Marine Corps could have picked a better individual to stand up 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, and take them to combat,” Jackson said.

Second Battalion, 9th Marines, holds the honor of being one of the most decorated battalions. After being disbanded three times, the battalion truly lives up to its motto, “Hell in a Helmet.”

In his speech to the new battalion, Trapp gave his respect to the Anti-Terrorism Battalion and their commander.

“This day is for the outgoing commander, so I want to take this opportunity to recognize the tremendous hard work Lieutenant Colonel Jackson and his staff have done,” Trapp said. “Not only in leading the battalion in many deployments around the globe but also the daunting task of preparing this battalion for a new organization and a new mission.”

Lastly, he spoke to the former Marines of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, with whom he had a personal connection.

“I want to promise you, I will uphold that legacy and these young Marines out here will not let you down,” Trapp said. “My father is a 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, vet. Trust me. He’ll see to it that we hold up the traditions of this battalion.”