AL ASAD, Iraq -- In a ceremony held outside the Base Defense Operations Center here April 20, 1st Lt. Michael K. Mishoe Jr. assumed command of Headquarters and Service Company, Provisional Security Battalion, from Capt. Tom Chhabra.
A native of Corning, Calif., Mishoe joins the company after serving as the executive officer of the battalion’s Bravo Co.
“It is an honor and a privilege to take command of a company of such fine Marines and sailors,” said Mishoe. “We will put forth every effort to ensure we continue to support the battalion in every way possible.”
Chhabra, from West Windsor, N.J., served as the company commander since February 2004 and is slated to serve as the executive officer of the Marine detachment at Fort Bliss, Texas.
“It’s always tough to let go of a billet you have had for a long time, especially one as challenging and satisfying as being a company commander,” he said. “The Marines in the company have done an outstanding job preparing for deployment and executing missions while deployed.”
The Provisional Security Battalion is comprised of Marines from 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, from Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C., and reinforcements from India Co., 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment and Lima Co., 3rd Bn., 2nd Marines.
The Marines in H&S Co. support the battalion to allow the other companies to accomplish their mission, said Mishoe.
According to Chhabra, H&S Co. is unique because every improvement Marines make within their individual shops is felt throughout the battalion. “The Marines had to adapt quite a bit to support Provisional Security Battalion,” he said. “In Cherry Point the company supports two other companies within 2nd LAAD and here they support four companies, each with a unique mission.”
The success of each company and the overall success of the battalion are impossible without the ability of H&S Co. to support and sustain combat operations, said Chhabra.
“I am proud and privileged of having been their company commander and I am humbled to be in the presence of such fine Marines,” he said. “I know they will continue to excel under the leadership and guidance of Lieutenant Mishoe.”
- For more information about the Marines reported on in this story, please contact Sgt. Juan Vara by e-mail at varaj@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil -