SC Marine unit gets new commanding officer

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — A Marine Corps combat veteran of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan is taking over as the new commanding officer at the headquarters of the Beaufort Air Station.

Marine spokeswoman Sgt. Gina Rindt says Lt. Col. Stephen Acosta took command Thursday from Lt. Col. John Pylant, who had assumed the command in June of 2009.

Acosta has served in executive, maintenance and operations officer posts with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122. He deployed on two combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He assumes command of nearly 700 Marines and sailors who support the day-to-day operations of the base. Pylant is remaining at the installation as the air station inspector.