6th Engineer Support Battalion MarForRes

“My father was a combat engineer with 6th ESB, so that kind of propelled me throughout my childhood to want to join the Marine Corps,” said Hastings. “Eventually, the time came, and I enlisted in the reserve and haven’t looked back.” -Staff Sergeant Jonathan Hastings

SSgt Hastings, a water purification specialist with 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, participated in exercise Northern Strike 26-2. Hastings is a native of Michigan.

"Representing the state of Michigan feels great,” said Hastings. “I feel like I can really put forth the best that Michigan has to offer."

Northern Strike is an Army sponsored, multi-component, multi-national exercise designed to build readiness and enhance interoperability to fight and win. Northern Strike 26-2, Michigan’s largest and longest joint readiness exercise, is held from August 1 to August 15, 2026, at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. This year’s exercise will feature around 9,000 participants.

LtCol Ademola D. Fabayo relinquished command as Inspector-Instructor, 6th Engineer Support Battalion to LtCol Daniel T. Hough at Marine Reserve Center Portland, OR. Col Prescott Wilson, 4th MLG Chief of Staff, presented LtCol Fabayo with the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his exceptional leadership and performance of duties as Inspector-Instructor, 6th Engineer Support Battalion. Well done, LtCol Fabayo, and welcome aboard, LtCol Hough!

The Change of Command ceremony is a longstanding Marine Corps tradition formally transferring authority and responsibility from one Commanding Officer to the next. It reinforces the principle of unity of command and ensures continuity of leadership within the unit. Unit members, family, and friends regularly attend.