MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (May 18, 2007)- -- The Marines of 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, have attained an admired reputation throughout the years that more than lives up to the Marine Corps’ standard
of excellence. As can be said of any distinguished unit, 2nd Recon relies on its stalwart leadership to guide its renowned warriors from the rigors of training to the perils of battle.
In a time honored tradition, the unit gathered to witness a shift in its core leadership as Lt. Col. James M. Bright relinquished command of 2nd Recon to Lt. Col. John R. Shafer in a change of command ceremony here, May 18.
Bright, a Virginia Military Institute graduate, assumed command of 2nd Recon on June 23, 2005. He previously served as the Deputy of Operations with 2nd Marine Division, deploying for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Bright now plans to attend the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.
Shafer enlisted as a reconnaissance Marine in January of 1983. In his six years of enlisted service, he attained the rank of sergeant and performed duties as a reconnaissance scout, assistant team leader, team leader and parachute rigger. In 1988, Shafer was commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduating from the University of New Mexico.
Both leaders stood boldly side by side as Sgt. Maj. Robert P. Beith, the battalion sergeant major, approached with the battalion colors.
The transfer of the colors during the ceremony symbolized the relinquishing of responsibility, authority and accountability of the outgoing commander as the incoming commander confirmed his total commitment to the Marines and sailors of his new command.
Shafer expressed his admiration for the condition of his new unit.
“You’ve handed me an impressive battalion,” Shafer said to the former commanding officer.
The battalion deployed to Iraq’s Al Anbar Province in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to October 2006. During this period, the battalion was attached to Regimental Combat Team 5, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), and participated in numerous counterinsurgency operations.
“To the Marines of 2nd Recon; in recent actions, you’ve left a mark on Marine Corps history that will contribute to our future legacy,” Shafer said.
Shafer, who is married and has three sons, seems up to the task of assuming the role as the unit’s intrepid leader.
“I’m honored and privileged to serve alongside of you,” Shafer said. “I pledge my utmost commitment.”