MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Trying to fill a predecessor's shoes can be difficult for any new commander - particularly one replacing the Corps' commandant-select.

"I've never had the pleasure of relieving a commandant before. ... I guess this means I can't tell the boss that it was the fault of the guy before me when things go wrong," Lt. Gen. James T. Conway quipped during a ceremony here Friday in which he assumed command of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, replacing Lt. Gen. Michael W. Hagee. Hagee will become the Corps' 33rd commandant early next year. He was cleared for the post by Congress last month.

"This (I MEF) is truly the finest fighting force in the world, and it was my honor and privilege to be at its helm," Hagee said. "I assure you, you are now in good hands."

Conway, who briefly served as deputy commanding general of Marine Forces Central Command after commanding the 1st Marine Division, shared his thoughts about taking command with a crowd that included Marines, sailors, civilians and even foreign military members, including Lt. Gen. C.W. Lee, commandant of the Republic of Korea Marines.

Conway stressed to his new unit, which comprises 45,000 warfighters based in the West, that he intends on "doing everything possible to earn their respect and ensure their welfare."

Conway is the 31st commanding general of I MEF, whose former commanders include retired Gen. W. E. Boomer, former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and retired Gen. A. C. Zinni.

Conway is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and received his commission in 1970. During Operation Desert Storm he commanded 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and deployed to Southwest Asia for eight months with the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade's surface assault force.

Before his assignment to MARCENT, Conway commanded the 1st Marine Division, served as president of Marine Corps University and as deputy director of operations for combating terrorism, U. S. Joint Forces Command.