U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, stand at the position of attention during a relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 18, 2019. This traditional ceremony symbolizes the passing of responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Marcos A. Cordero to Sgt. Maj. Aaron Colling. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cameron Parks)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks

3rd Reconnaissance Battalion Relief and Appointment Ceremony

5 Jan 2020 | Cpl. Cameron Parks 3rd Marine Division

CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan --

CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Marcos A. Cordero relinquished his billet as 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Aaron C. Colling during a relief and appointment ceremony held at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 18, 2019.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Andrew MacDougall, executive officer of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, thanked Cordero for his dedication and exemplary service, not only for the work he accomplished at 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, but also the impact he had on the unit.

“We will miss you dearly here. In the short time that you have been here you have woven yourself into the fabric of this unit in a way that most of these [Marines] will never realize,” said MacDougall. “Day in and day out these [Marines] know that you’re giving 100 percent and for that we will be forever thankful.”

Cordero thanked his Marines, Sailors and friends during his final speech as sergeant major.

“This is a very symbolic moment. Not only are we passing the sword off but I’m also leaving the Division,” Cordero said. “I truly care for the [Marines] and leaders within this Division and I humbly thank you for that and what you all have done for me as well.”

Cordero continued on to thank his wife, Rosalyn Cordero, and his family.

“Rosalyn would never let me forget the first appointment I did here with battalion,” said Cordero. “I was so excited when I first took command I failed to tell her thank you for dropping everything she’s done and moving to a different country with me so I just wanted to thank her and my family.”

Colling, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion’s new sergeant major, gave a brief speech about his goals for the unit.

“To the Marines of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion: I work for you. I’m truly humbled to be here and be a part of this organization,” said Colling. “I’m looking forward to getting out into the field with the [Marines] in this unit, and the chance to see the team in action at a tactical level, creating operational and strategic level impact.”