Col. Scott D. Aiken (right), former commanding officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, hands over the organizational battle color to the group’s incoming commanding officer, Col. Michael M. Sweeney during a change of command ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 1. Aiken, who was in command of II MHG since 2008, will go on to become the II MEF operations officer.

Photo by Cpl. Katherine Keleher

II MEF Headquarters Group changes hands

2 Jul 2010 | Cpl. Katherine Keleher II Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Col. Michael M. Sweeney took command of II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group during a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 1, 2010.

The former commanding officer, Col. Scott D. Aiken, was responsible for the drawdown of the last Marine fleet unit out of Iraq. He will now take charge as the II MEF operations officer.

As the former commanding officer of 8th Communications Battalion, which is a subordinate unit of II MHG, Sweeney is more than ready to lead his Marines during their next Afghanistan deployment scheduled for 2011.

“To the Marines of II MHG, I am honored and privileged to serve with you,” said Sweeney.