Marines serving with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion

Marines serving with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion salute during the pass and review portion of a relief and appointment ceremony where Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Woods took over as the battalion sergeant major here, Aug. 23, 2013. Relief and appointment ceremonies are one of the many traditions upheld in the Marine Corps today, which involves the passing of the noncommissioned officer sword from the outgoing sergeant major to the oncoming. The passing of the sword signifies the transfer of responsibility and entails the transfer of total accountability and authority, from one senior enlisted Marine to another. The sword thus continues as the personification of military tradition and is entrusted to those most responsible for maintaining it.