MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Command of the Marine Corps' largest West Coast expeditionary training base changed hands when Col. Nicholas Marano assumed command from Col. James B. Seaton during a change of command ceremony here Thursday afternoon.

The former artillery officer will continue his career as the director of the Commander's Initiatives Group at U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla.

Seaton assumed command of the base in May of 2006. Under Seaton's command, the base was awarded the 2007 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence. His accomplishments include vast improvements to base infrastructure, Marine and family housing, training facilities and numerous other quality of life initiatives.

"This truely is a team effort on Camp Pendleton," said Seaton about his time here. "I am immensely gratified."

During the ceremony, Seaton welcomed Marano.

"I envy you; you are one lucky man. Welcome aboard," said Seaton.

Marano now serves as Camp Pendleton's commanding officer after leaving his position as the Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations, Training and Education Command, Quantico, Va.

Marano enlisted into the Corps in 1980 as a rifleman with the 25th Marine Regiment and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1985.

"We will always keep the needs of the war fighter first and foremost. We will keep the process transparent," said Marano. "I pledge my personal support to family readiness."