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MAG-49 Marines welcome new commander

  • Published
  • By Lance Cpl. Stanley Moy
  • Marine Aircraft Group 49 Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  "Its always easier to give up family when family is coming in behind you," said Col. Phillip M. Pastino, former commander of Marine Aircraft Group 49, during a change of command ceremony held here June 11.

The ceremony marked the formal passing of command from Col. Phillip M. Pastino to Col. Robert J. Braatz Jr.

Brig. Gen. Bradley S. James, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing commander, served as the presiding official over the ceremony. During his speech, he commended Pastino for his service and expressed confidence in the abilities of Braatz.

"Braatz is taking over a unit that is tight," James said. "There are few commands in the Marine Corps, and when you come to this unit, you've done something right."

As MAG-49's new commander, Braatz is now responsible for the 2,638 Marines that carries out the unit's mission.

During the ceremony, Braatz addressed his new Marines along with staff, friends, family and other welcomed guests.

"You and Kristen have done a great job of preparing MAG-49 to go to war because that's what its all about," Braatz told Pastino. "I have never seen MAG-49 in better shape than it is now."

Braatz called on his Marines to be prepared to fight, continuing the mission and the standards set by Pastino: combat readiness, materiel conditions and troop welfare.

Braatz came to MAG-49 from the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida. Some other previous assignments include: Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command air officer, MAG-49 Detachment C site commander and as the executive officer of Marine Light Helicopter Squadron Detachment Alpha 269.

"He's done it on the air side and he's done it on the ground side and he's done it on sides we can't even talk about. He's a proven leader and this is his second rodeo. I know you're going to do well and I know that you're ready," said James.

Pastino thanked the Marines of the MAG - those who have fallen, junior enlisted, junior officers, NCOs and staff NCOs - all of whom played a role in supporting the MAG mission and him during command.

"The Marine Corps has a great enlisted force," Pastino said. "The most junior Marine can lead up. The Marines who are doing the work are the young Marines, and it's often thankless. We may also misjudge our own worth if we forget those officers and staff NCOs that support us along the way."

During the ceremony Pastino was awarded the Legion of Merit.

"The Marine Corps is a stingy organization on awards and medals," James said. "So that Legion of Merit, we don't pass them out. He is well deserving of that medal. It is a unit medal so he will think of the Marines he leaves behind when he wears it proudly."

Pastino bids farewell to MAG-49 as he moves onto the National War College in Washington D.C.