July 2, 2015 -- Colonel Neil C. Schuehle relinquished his duties as Marine Special Operations School commanding officer to Col. Brett A. Bourne during a change-of-command ceremony at the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 1, 2015.
A change of command represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility of a unit from the outgoing commanding officer to the incoming officer. The passing of the colors during the ceremony signifies the official change of duties being placed into the hands of the next commanding officer.
The ceremony was accompanied by the 2nd Marine Division band, but was conducted indoors to preclude the necessity of halting the training of several special operations courses currently under way.
Schuehle passed his duties as the steward of MARSOC's assessment, selection, training and education of its critical skills operators and special operations officers onto Bourne, and will continue his career as Professor of Naval Science at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.
Schuehle said he feels he achieved the goals he set for the Marines, sailors, and civilians of MSOS during his tenure.
"My goals were to build on the extraordinary foundation already in place, and further elevate the quality of instruction and education the schoolhouse provides not only to MARSOC but other members of the Marine Corps and SOCOM as well," said Schuehle.
Schuehle said as he pursues his next career opportunity he takes with him the belief that for as long as one remains a Marine, regardless of age or rank, one has a duty to embody the warrior ethos. His approach to mentorship was as likely to occur in the combatives arena as it was in Heritage Hall (the MSOS library), and is indicative of the legacy he leaves behind.
Bourne arrives to MSOS from his previous duties as the chief of staff with U.S. Special Operations Command Africa. He described his upcoming position as the commanding officer of MSOS as two main duties - the selection of Marines for MARSOC and the training required to make them operators.
Bourne and Schuehle have worked together on many occasions, and this is in fact not the first time they have passed unit colors before. The previous occasion occurred when Schuehle preceded Bourne as the commanding officer of Echo Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.
Bourne said he looks forward to working with the Marines of the schoolhouse and would like to continue with the success they have had under Schuehle's command.
“From what I’ve seen and have experienced, the Marines are doing a phenomenal job,” said Bourne. “I endeavor to continue to build on the achievements of these stellar men and women.”