MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Sergeant Major Nicholas A. Deabreu succeeded Sgt. Maj. William E. Heyob as sergeant major of Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, in a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 18, 2011.
Deabreu became the BLT’s senior enlisted Marine as the “Warlords” prepare to deploy to the Mediterranean Sea with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In his farewell address, Heyob commended the Marines and sailors for their dedication to duty during his tenure as the 2/2 sergeant major. Heyeb, who recently received a Bronze Star Medal for his actions in Afghanistan, said he will always remember the “Warlords” who will soon deploy, and those who sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan.
“I absolutely love this battalion,” Heyob said. “For those of you who deployed to Afghanistan – it is flat out amazing what this battalion accomplished. It was my honor and privilege to be your sergeant major … it was awesome being out there with you.”
Deabreu said he plans to continue the leadership foundation Heyob maintained while serving with the battalion as the Marines and sailors complete preparations to go forward.
“I have big shoes to fill,” Deabreu said. “I plan to do just as good as he did because I promised him I wasn’t going to mess it up.”
“I can see it – we work as a team, and I will continue that team concept,” Deabreu emphasized.
The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and test the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission capable force comprised of Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.