New commanding officer at MCAS Yuma

Change of command is a long-standing tradition in the military

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma hosted a change of command ceremony Thursday morning to welcome a new commanding officer.

Every three years, MCAS Yuma appoints a new commanding officer.

Colonel Charles Dudik relinquished his command to Colonel Jared Stone at MCAS Yuma.

Incoming commanding officer Colonel Jared Stone shared his feelings on taking such a big role.

“I have a very heavy background in Marine Corps aviation. I have worked in many different aspects of Marine Corps aviation. I have never run an insulation of this size and I am super excited to learn all the things that, that entails," expressed Col. Jared Stone, incoming commanding officer.

Back in 2004 Colonel Stone was stationed in Yuma and said he's looking forward to spearheading a new era of leadership.

“We can’t do what we do really anywhere else in the country or in the world it is how we prepare marine corp aviation to fight we cannot do that without the support of the community," stated Col. Stone.

The outgoing commanding officer, Colonel Charles Dudik shared words of wisdom to his successor.

“Best piece of advice quite frankly is to care. To care about any number of things, to care about our mission which is to develop combat readiness and warfighting readiness, to care about the marines, sailors, the civilians that comprise our team," stated Col. Charles Dudik, outgoing commanding officer.

Although his time here is coming to an end, he will always be connected to MCAS Yuma.

“I’ll still have an opportunity to actively support the mission here in Yuma,” said Col. Dudik.

After serving in Yuma for three years, Colonel Dudik will be headed to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton California to serve as Chief of Staff.