CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Col. Michael R. Hudson assumed command of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Col. Gregg P. Olson during a change-of-command ceremony at the Camp Del Mar parade deck here May 11.
Olson, whose command of the MEU began in June 2008, moves on to the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa.
“You all accomplished everything that was asked of you and more,” said Olson to the MEU about their most recent deployment. “You helped the Marine Corps re-establish an amphibious heritage.”
The unit returned April 13 from a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific, Middle East and Horn of Africa regions.
The unit is a quick-reaction task force consisting of 2,200 Marines and sailors and is one of three MEUs based on the West Coast. Hudson has now served with all three, including the 13th and 15th MEUs.
“I am extremely honored to be the commanding officer of the 11th MEU,” said Hudson to the Marines in formation. “You truly are the ‘Pride of the Pacific.’”
Hudson’s personal awards include two Bronze Star medals, the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal with 12 strike flights, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.