11th MEU Commander Moves on to Quantico Position

Staff Sgt. Jimmy Bention, 11th MEU Public Affairs

The commander of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, who led the unit through a recent deployment at sea, will now serve at Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, VA.

Col. Michael R. Hudson, who commanded the unit since May 2010, relinquished command of the unit to Lt. Col. Michael P. Wylie at a ceremony Thursday at the Camp Del Mar parade deck.

Lt. Col. Michael P. Wylie assumed command of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Col. Michael R. Hudson during a relinquishment of command ceremony at the Camp Del Mar parade deck Thursday.

Wylie served as the executive officer of the 11th MEU, which returned from a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific, Horn of Africa and Middle East regions June 21.

“This all happened kind of fast but the Marines and sailors went down range into uncertainty and I'm proud of you," said Hudson to his Marines. “The Marines did an absolutely outstanding job. Marines, sailors, family and friends thank you again and Semper Fidelis."

The 11th MEU is a quick-reaction task force consisting of 2,200 Marines and sailors and is one of three MEUs based on the West Coast.

"Thank you for this rare opportunity to take command," Wylie told Hudson. "I'd like to thank the Marines for the support and I am honored to continue to serve with you guys. We are still going to knock down targets as we always have.”

Wylie's personal awards include the Bronze Star with combat distinguished device, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award.

Don’t miss Patch's coverage of the 11th MEU, which includes stories from the deployment as well as a homecoming video.

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