From: MarineCorpsTimes
BY DAN LAMOTHE – STAFF WRITER | POSTED : FRIDAY JUN 10, 2011 5:33:47 EDT
MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON – With the passing of a sword, Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent retired Thursday night and stepped aside after a distinguished career of more than 35 years.
Kent, the 16th sergeant major of the Marine Corps, was replaced by Sgt. Maj. Mike Barrett in a relief and appointment ceremony attended by some of the service’s highest ranking officers and enlisted personnel. He served as the Corps’ top enlisted adviser beginning April 25, 2007, and filled the position during a tumultuous period in which combat in Iraq transitioned to operations in Afghanistan, where more than 20,000 Marines are deployed.