MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, welcomed a new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony, at the Camp San Mateo landing zone here, March 7.
Lieutenant Col. Robert Weiler relinquished command to Lt. Col. Mike Wilonsky, the former 1st Marine Division current operations officer.
Wilonsky, a native of San Clemente, Calif., plans to continue the tradition of excellence in the battalion.
“As a new commanding officer of a battalion, one must always look for things to improve,” said Wilonsky a native of San Clemente. “It’s hard to find something in such a well run battalion as this one.”
Wilonsky places emphasis on leading by example and making sure his Marines do the same thing. He wants all of his Marines to set the highest standard both on and off the battlefield.
“This battalion carries a strong legacy,” he said. “So there is a lot of pressure on me and the Marines to uphold its outstanding performance record and continue its heritage.”
Weiler, a native of Arlington, Va., will be taking the role of executive officer of 5th Marine Regiment and is confident the battalion is in good hands.
“Wilonsky really developed a good reputation at his previous duty stations,” Weiler said. “The Marine Corps does a good job of selecting their commanders, and Wilonsky is definitely an excellent choice.”
Weiler led his Marines on a deployment as the battalion landing team of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the deployment his Marines participated in multiple training exercises in the Pacific Theater.
“There are a lot of challenges that go into leading a unit on deployment, but my Marines did an excellent job,” Weiler said. “We all gained a lot of valuable experience.”
Weiler said he will continue to feel a strong connection with the Marines and sailors of 2nd Bn., 4th Marines, and will always be proud of serving in the battalion.
“I really enjoyed my time here. These Marines are some of the best I have worked with,” he said. “I believe Wilonsky is receiving an excellent battalion and will do his best to take the Marines to new heights of excellence.”
Weiler is looking forward to taking the reins as executive officer of 5th Marines. He seeks to perform just as well in his new role as he has with the “Magnificent Bastards.”