More than 500 service members, family members and guests attended the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion
(MCSFB) Sunset Parade at the Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor procession field, July 2.
The evening show honors the “Colors” observance, the lowering of the nation’s flag at sunset which is done every
day throughout the sea services and across America. Lt. Col. William Hittinger, commanding officer of MCSFB,
addressed everyone in attendance and thanked them for coming to the special ceremony.
“We do these parades as a representation of our command,” said Hittinger. “This is an opportunity for Marines and
Sailors who stand before you to say thank you for supporting us today. This is our way and the best way to show
our gratitude and appreciation.”
The Marines of NBK Bangor have been conducting summer parades continuously since 1977.
During the sunset parade, a special battalion re-designation ceremony was held to observe the official change of
the command’s name from Marine Corps Security Force Company to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion. The
command flag was presented to the crowd during the ceremony.
Sailors and Marines assigned to MCSFB paraded the colors to get the ceremony started, followed by the guest speaker.
Col. William McLaughlin, commanding officer of Marine Corps Security Force Regiment (MCSFR), Norfolk, Va., said he
was glad to be at this event as a guest and be able to commemorate the retirement of Maj. James Adams.
“This is a magnificent group of young Sailors and Marines,” said McLaughlin. “Maj. Adams has a lot to do with building
this team before you. He has done a phenomenal job as a Marine officer, and I just want to thank him for his service to
the country.”
Adams thanked everyone for attending his retirement ceremony.
“I tell the Sailors and Marines here what we do is not about us, it’s about the young people coming up behind us,” said
Adams. “And to my son, I present you my U.S. Marine sword, something you’ve always wanted from me, and now it’s
yours because I don’t need it anymore.”
As the show came to an end, service members saluted the flag during evening Colors, and the crowd came to their feet,
witnessing the careful and reverent handling of the flag.