Townsend Detachment participated in two cake cutting ceremonies aboard Maxwell Air Force Base on November 10, the Marine Corps Birthday. Ceremonies are formal and the oldest Marine Honoree is a member of the detachment. Cake ceremonies include; procession of dignitaries; presenting Colors; reading of General John A. Lejeune’s declaration that Marines band together to recognize the birthday of the Corps; cutting of the cake with a Mameluke Sword; presentation of first piece of cake to Senior Member present; presentation of 2nd piece of cake to the Oldest Marine Present; Oldest Marine passing the cake to the Youngest Marine Present; posting of Colors.
- Townsend Member Tom Ballow served as oldest Marine this year at the AWC ceremony.
- Townsend Member Ken Duan served as oldest Marine this year at the ACSC ceremony.
- Dignitaries present were Brig. General Christopher A Coffelt, USAF and senior Marine Colonel Duane Opperman at the AWC ceremony.
- Dignitaries present were Colonel Brian Hastings USAF and senior Marine Colonel Duane Opperman at the ACSC ceremony.