STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 received a new commander Aug. 6, as Lt. Col. Timothy L. Adams took the reins from Lt. Col. Kurt W. Stein during a change of command ceremony here.
The ceremony marked the end of Stein’s tenure at the helm of the squadron, which saw numerous deployments and training cycles under his charge. Since 2003, VMGR-452 has supported operations overseas and transitioned to the KC-130J airframe.
Stein’s leadership and example of professionalism spread throughout VMGR-452, creating an expeditionary mindset throughout the ranks, according to Maj. Gen. Darrell L. Moore, the director of Reserve Affairs at Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Marine Corps Base Quantico. This example will be carried over by Adams as he takes charge, Moore said.
“I don’t think there’s a better unit in the Marine Corps Reserve that better typifies [expeditionary readiness] than VMGR-452. No unit has done it better in the last 10 or 15 years than what [Stein] has done while here in command,” said Moore. “You certainly have an expeditionary mindset, both of you.”
As the responsibility for the success of VMGR-452 shifts to Adams, he is quick to point out the sturdy foundation laid by Stein in the last several years. Stein’s commitment to professionalism in the squadron will have a lasting impact both in the unit and in the community, according to Adams.
“Today we’re here to do a few important things. We come together to witness the transfer of command from Lt. Col. Stein to myself and to come together as a family to recognize our outgoing skipper for all the outstanding work he has done for this squadron and the community,” said Adams. “We also come together to recommit ourselves to the Corps and institutional values and the unique capacity that this squadron brings to the [Marine Corps].”
Adams also stated the importance of the Marines he now leads, and their commitment to serving despite ongoing operations overseas.
“The majority of the Marines you see before you today joined the Marine Corps after 9/11. Their expectation for service and what they chose to do with their time is different,” said Adams. “My job as the commanding officer is to ensure that they are trained, equipped and led in a way that when the call comes, as it always does, that we can go and do what we’re trained to do, that we’ll do so quickly, efficiently, professionally and with alacrity.”