MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Lt. Col. Benjamin K. Hutchins assumed command of Marine Attack Squadron 223 as the squadron bid farewell to Lt. Col. Roger T. McDuffie during a change of command ceremony here, May 21.
Hutchins has served as the VMA-233 executive officer since arriving at the squadron in October 2014.
"I am excited to lead the Bulldog Team,” said Hutchins. “I look forward to working with the Marines and Sailors of VMA-223 as we provide support for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and all of its operations."
McDuffie was the commanding officer of the squadron for the past 19 months. During his tenure, VMA-223 Marines deployed with the 22nd and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units in support of operations in Libya, on the Horn of Africa and in Iraq.
According to McDuffie, leading the Bulldogs has been a highlight in his military career and he is confident in both the ability and readiness of the Marines and Sailors of the squadron.
“The talented and professional Marines and Sailors in this squadron are some of the best I have served with in my 21 years of Marine Corps service,” said McDuffie. “It has been an outstanding honor to have been their commanding officer.”