Marine Corps Base Hawaii has a new commander after former commander Col. Jeffrey R. "Woody" Woods was relieved of duty without explanation on Oct. 19.

Col. Brian P. Annichiarico assumed command of the Kaneohe Bay base and Marines elsewhere on the island Thursday during a change of command ceremony at the base flagpole.

Annichiarico, an AV-8B Harrier pilot, was head of the aviation branch for Marine Corps Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

"It’s truly humbling to be here," Annichiarico said. "You never get a second chance at a first good impression and the impression I have of the team here is unbelievable.  We have challenges ahead with an uncertain economic outlook, but this well oiled team here is prepared to take on those challenges."