MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY -- Guests took shelter beneath the red and white tents as a heavy downpour blessed the change of command ceremony for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, April 23, 2013.
But in keeping with “any clime and place,” the "Pegasus" Marines and the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band continued to march on, their tan boots dark with moisture, their guidons waving.
Guests at the event still wore smiles as Marines swept away large pools of water rippling beneath everyone’s feet and repeatedly wiped down chairs.
As if ushering in the new beginning for the squadron, the rain soon retreated its merciless, cold hand, and welcomed the sun as Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis turned leadership of the winged horse squadron to Lt. Col. Richard Matyskiela.
Col. Paul Fortunato, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 24, thanked Davis for his work at the squadron, and Davis’ wife, Ann, for supporting the families in various capacities.
Fortunato then welcomed Matyskiela and his wife, Kim, to "Pegasus," and expressed his eagerness to work with them as Matyskiela takes on new duties as the unit’s commanding officer.
Davis, of Dearborn, Mich., was commissioned Dec. 10, 1994. He has held various positions including CH-53 instructor and assistant operations officer at Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron transitioned from using old CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters to CH-53E Super Stallions while under Davis’ command.
During the change of command, Davis also received a meritorious service medal for his work. After leaving the squadron, Davis plans to attend the National War College in Washington, D.C.
“Marines and sailors of 'Pegasus,' it has been my honor and my privilege to be a part of this incredible organization for the last 18 months,” Davis said. “You got it right every single time. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.”
Davis’ parting remarks consisted of words he would tell each Marine who was leaving active duty as they left his office.
“I don’t know what your individual pursuit of happiness is,” Davis said. “But whatever that is, I wish you godspeed in getting there.”
Matyskiela, of Silverdale, Pa., has held several positions aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, including logistics officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, and the assistant operations officer of Marine Aircraft Group 24. Matyskiela also deployed as an operations officer in support of OIF with Marine Aircraft Group 29.
“I accept this position in all of its awesome responsibility with humility and dedicate myself to this squadron and her Marines,” Matyskiela said. “Semper Fidelis.”