Change of Command at Camp Pendleton

The head of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit will turn over command this afternoon during a ceremony at Camp Pendleton.

Lt. Col. John R. O'Neal, who has led the 15th MEU since June of 2013 after serving as its executive officer, is scheduled to relinquish command to Col. Vance L. Cryer at 2 p.m. The 15th MEU last deployed aboard the ships of Amphibious Squadron Three from September of 2012 to May of 2013.

O'Neal's next assignment will be with the Strategic Initiatives Group, Headquarters, Marine Corps, which is otherwise known as the "Commandant's Think Tank," according to base officials.

Cryer, an AV-8B Harrier pilot, is the former deputy branch head of Aviation Weapons Programs at Headquarters, Marine Corps.

Military officials said the traditional change of command ceremony symbolizes the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from one officer to another.

—City News Service