MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --  Col. Mike Lawrence retired and relinquished command of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton to Col. Lawrence E. Killmeier during a change of command ceremony on the flightline of MCASCP Calif., June 22.

Lawrence both reminisced and thanked friends and family for the support he received during his 27 years of service, which includes the 3 years serving as commanding officer of the MCASCP.

“[Tara, and I] know that the MCAS Camp Pendleton family will continue to thrive, and that the Marines, sailors and civilian Marines of MCAS will continue to provide the absolute best support possible to those who work aboard the installation,” said Lawrence.

In Jan. 2005, Killmeier took command of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 and returned to Iraq for two tours conducting squadron operations in Al Anbar Province. He and his family now start a new chapter in their Marine Corps career after assuming command of the MCASCP.

“Tara and I want to welcome them and wish them all the best in their tour here. We know that they will really enjoy this tour, as we have,” said Lawrence.