CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – A Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey squadron deployed with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) welcomed a new commander at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, April 15.

The Marines and sailors of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 said goodbye to Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Hogan who relinquished command of the squadron to Lt. Col. Brian G. McAvoy during a ceremony at the squadron’s hangar. “It is hard to leave Marines I’ve worked with,” said Hogan, a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. “Especially while on deployment out here.”

The ceremony marked an end to nearly two years in which Hogan has served as the squadron’s commanding officer. The squadron has flown more than 1,200 combat hours and transported more than a half million pounds of supplies in Afghanistan under Hogan’s command. The former commander will next travel to the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., to continue his military education.

“I am very proud of the Marines,” said Hogan. “They have worked hard and done great things.”

McAvoy, the squadron’s new commanding officer, served previously as its executive officer. McAvoy said at the ceremony that he was prepared to lead the squadron to continued success throughout their deployment and into the future.

“I plan to build upon what Lt. Col. Hogan has already accomplished, he has done an excellent job,” said McAvoy, a native of Lowville, N.Y. “My biggest priority is bringing every one of these Marines home safely.”

Photo: Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Hogan (right) passes the squadron colors to Lt. Col. Brian G. McAvoy (left) during a change of command ceremony at the squadron’s hangar on Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, April 15. “It is hard to leave Marines I’ve worked with,” said Hogan. “Especially while on deployment out here.”