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thedrifter
07-01-03, 06:21 AM
New Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps posts
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 2003630152132
Story by Cpl. Ethan E. Rocke



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(June 30, 2003) -- Hundreds of Marines and civilians gathered at Marine Barracks, Washington D.C., Thursday for a special ceremony to welcome the new sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada relieved Sgt. Maj. Alfred L. McMichael, becoming the 15th Marine to hold the post of highest enlisted Marine.

McMichael is the first sergeant major of the Marine Corps not to retire after holding the distinguished position. His next assignment will be sergeant major, U.S. European Command.

During the ceremony, McMichael passed the sword of office to Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, signifying the completion of his tour as sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

Hagee then passed the sword to Estrada, establishing him as the new senior enlisted Marine.

Gen. James L. Jones, supreme allied commander, Europe, and commander, U.S. European Command, was on hand to award McMichael the Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptionally meritorious service during his time as sergeant major of the Marine Corps. McMichael served as Jones' enlisted counterpart during Jones' tour as commandant of the Marine Corps from 1999-2003.

Estrada has served in the Marine Corps for almost 30 years.

Some of his various assignments include drill instructor duty at Marine Corps Recruit Depots, San Diego and Parris Island, S.C. He has served in several Marine fighter attack squadrons, including Marine Fighter Attack Squadron-451, Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C. He held several billets as a first sergeant from 1990-95. His last assignment was sergeant major, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Miramar, Calif.

His personal awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003630153135/$file/all_three_lr.jpg

Sgt. Maj. Alfred L. McMichael stands before Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps, after being relinquished of his title of sergeant major of the Marine Corps by Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada. McMichael is now heading to Euroupe to work under Gen. James L. Jones, commanding general, European Command, as sergeant major.
Photo by: Cpl. Travis W. Shiflett


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: