Gray clouds gave way to blue sky Friday on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island as the men and women of Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53 ushered in a new leader.

In a change of command ceremony on the parade field next to Building 108, Col. Timothy Cutright relinquished command of MATSG-53 to Col. Bradley Close.

Following the invocation by Lt. Cmdr. Philip King, Navy chaplain, and the Adjutant’s call, the Marines of MATSG-53 marched onto the field, lining up in front of flags representing the nation’s 50 states, arranged in order of their acceptance into the union. The brief ceremony included a reading of the orders and honoring special guest, Maj. Gen. Raymond Fox.

In a time-honored tradition, the Marine colors were physically passed from the outgoing to the incoming commander, a gesture symbolic of the transfer of command. Then the outgoing commanding officer shared a few words.

“This is an extraordinary group of Marines,” said Cutright. “They may be small in numbers, but they are tough, disciplined and work together as a team.”

“I wish I had a crystal ball and could look at the future,” Cutright continued. “But if you continue to conduct yourselves the way you are now, the Marine Corps will have a spot for you.”

Cutright, who took over as commanding officer of MATSG-53 nearly three years ago to the day, spoke of his time on Whidbey Island with affection, calling out fellow Marines, members of the Navy community as well as members of the Oak Harbor community.

“The majestic beauty of Whidbey Island rivals that of any place I’ve ever seen,” he said. “But the true magic is in this community and its relationship with NAS Whidbey Island. It’s unique, strong. I’ve not seen anything like it at any other air station.”

It’s a relationship Cutright’s successor would like to maintain.

“As the newest senior Marine at NAS Whidbey Island, I’m looking forward to continuing the great relationship we have with the community,” said Col. Close. “To the Marines of MATSG-53, I’m looking forward to working with you.”

Close, whose wife and three sons had not yet arrived in Oak Harbor, does have family in Issaquah, and said he is looking forward to the chance to spend time with them.

Following remarks, Maj. Gen. Fox presented Col. Cutright with the Legion of Merit medal. The ceremony closed with music, as the National Anthem, “Anchors Aweigh” and “The Marines’ Hymn” were played and the Marines of MATSG-53 were dismissed.