Marine Corps Base Quantico -- The colors have passed. The Marine Helicopter Squadron One [HMX-1] change of command ceremony was held at the Quantico Marine Corps air facility flight line on June 26. At the ceremony, Colonel Kevin H. Wild relinquished command of Marine Helicopter Squadron One to Colonel Brian H. Bufton.
More than 300 guests attended the event, including family members and past colleagues for both Wild and Bufton. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Jon M. Davis spoke about Wild’s departure, “We have one no-fail mission at HMX-1 and that involves a long history of providing transportation for the past and present Presidents of the United States. This is a crucial mission for our squadron and we are immensely serious at doing an exceptional job and providing support for that mission. From the lance corporals to the officers, Colonel Wild has made us proud with fulfilling his responsibilities with style and grace.”
Davis praised Wild’s commitment to the Marine Corps values saying, “Something special about Col. Wild is that he makes it a top priority to take care of his people. What I respect the most is his character. He has unquestionable integrity and he is always willing to do the right thing, even if it’s the hard thing. He will take care of the Marines who work hard and stay out of trouble. Likewise, he will ensure that proper actions are taken for the Marines who do the opposite.
The ceremony concluded with Wild giving his final words to the Marines that worked with him, “At some point in everyone’s journey at HMX-1, you were the reason for our success. However minor or large your actions, you were the single point of reason for our overall accomplishments. Regardless of your rank, your job or the current situation you were in, you were the sole reason why HMX-1 was HMX-1, never forget that. “
Wild concluded by saying “As I leave this position, I can honestly say that I could not think of a better way to leave this unit than to be standing beside the Marines that have worked with me during my time here.”