RTR Change of Command, San Diego, California

Recruit Training Regiment held a change of command ceremony for Col. Robert W. Gates on May 25, at Shepherd Field aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Col. Michael J. Lee took over for Gates as the commanding officer of the regiment. Bagpipes played “Scotland the Brave” for Gates before the ceremony started. Lee took the microphone and spoke for a short period of time, not wanting to steal Gates’ thunder. “I look forward to the opportunity to lead this fine regiment, and I have absolutely no illusions of the officer I am replacing, I know I have very big shoes to fill.”