7th Marines receives new commander
Col. William B. Crowe relinquished command of the 7th Marine Regiment to Col. Bryan P. McCoy, in a change of command ceremony at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field June 1.
http://www.op29online.com/articles/2007/06/08/news/news02.txt
Thursday June 21, 2007
Combat Correspondent
With three tours in the ranks of 7th Marines, first as a captain, then lieutenant colonel and most recently as a colonel, Crowe said it is a sad day for the Crowe family and he will miss the regiment.
“This is my third tour with 7th Marines,” said Crowe. “My current tour as regimental commander began July 7, 2005.”
Crowe’s previous command tours were as commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, from May 2000 to May 2002 and was operations officer and CO of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, from June 1989 to June 1991.
Crowe will now take command of Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., a position selected directly by the commandant of the Marine Corps. This will be Crowe’s second “colonel-level command,” which he says is a unique honor.
Crowe began his career in the Marine Corps when he was commissioned a second lieutenant on August 14, 1981, and was designated an infantry officer. Crowe speaks highly of his time in the Corps and of 7th Marines.
“Prepare to March,” said Crowe, reciting 7th Marines’ slogan. “Prepare to march is not a bumper sticker, it implies that this regiment and its four infantry battalions are ready to deploy combat ready forces at a moment’s notice in support of our nation,” said Crowe. “If the Marine Corps’ is America’s 911 force then 7th Marines is the Marine Corps lead, quick response regiment.”
Crowe said he enjoyed his time with 7th Marines and reflected on what he learned from his junior Marines, and from being the commanding officer.
“I have learned that the Marine Corps as an institution is strong,” said Crowe. “I have been very impressed with the officers, Staff NCOs [staff noncommissioned officers], and Marines assigned to the regiment and its battalions. They are among our best and brightest.”
“I have enjoyed watching our Marines and sailors do amazing things every day, 24/7 in Iraq,” he added. “We have four outstanding battalions, not a weak one in the pack. Each one is unique, but all are top rated units in their own right.”
As Crowe passed the command to McCoy, he commented that he was getting an outstanding regiment and that he was sad to leave his home. With an emotional goodbye, Crowe, his wife, Lynn, and two daughters, Caitlin, 19, and Amanda, 18, prepare to make their trip to D.C.
“Who would have ever thought 16 years ago that I would be given the privilege, honor and awesome responsibility to lead such a historic regiment?” said Crowe. “This is my home. This is where my heart is. Prepare to march!”
McCoy started his tour in the Marine Corps when he received a commission in May 1984. His most recent assignment was CO of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment with which he served two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During the ceremony McCoy made a promise to the regiment and shared his thoughts on taking command.
“Marines and sailors, I couldn’t be more proud than to be among your ranks again,” said McCoy. “I promise you as your CO I will give you my very best every day.”
As both Marines assume command of different units, they both said that they were ready to take command and serve their junior Marines.