MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY -- The passing of a noncommissioned officer's sword symbolizes the transfer of senior staff noncommissioned officer authority.
This took place aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany as Col. James C. Carroll III, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, received the noncommissioned officer’s sword from Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Agee, outgoing sergeant major, and handed it to Sgt. Maj. Johnny L. Higdon during a post and relief ceremony at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, March 16.
This completed the transfer of duties making Higdon MCLB Albany's new senior enlisted advisor.
Carroll said he looked forward to serving with Higdon.
“It's an absolute pleasure to have you joining our team,” Carroll said. “Everything you have done as a recruiter, company gunnery sergeant, company first sergeant and a sergeant major at the (Inspector-Instructor) and (Recruiting Station) has uniquely equipped you to take over the reins here as the sergeant major for the installation.
“We look forward to learning from your vast experience and wisdom,” he added.
Higdon, a native of Thomasville, Georgia, comes to MCLB Albany after serving as the Inspector-Instructor sergeant major for 4th Combat Engineer Battalion in Baltimore, Maryland.
“As you look out in the audience, I have friends and family that have known me my entire life,” Higdon said. “I have Marines that I have served with from my time as a private up to sergeant major. Thank you all for sharing yet another milestone in my career.
“Each of you are responsible for the person you see here today,” he added. “Please continue to support me as I set off on another chapter of my Marine Corps career.”
Higdon then addressed MCLB Albany Marines and civilian-Marines.
“You all have done an amazing job with accomplishing the mission here and supporting the Marine Corps warfighting effort,” he said. “I am proud and honored to be a part of a winning team.”
He also thanked Carroll for the opportunity to serve the Marines and civilian-Marines of MCLB Albany and Agee for a smooth turnover, wishing him good luck in his future endeavors.
Agee welcomed Higdon wishing him well in his new assignment.
"I have no doubt that you stand ready for this challenge and this next chapter of your life," he added. "I wish you and your family the best. May God give you strength and bless you with wisdom and grace as you execute your duties."
Following of the post and relief ceremony, Agee retired after having served the Corps and nation for 30 years.