MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The newly established Marine Corps Installations West now has a new sergeant major.

Sergeant Maj. Wayne R. Bell was appointed MCI-West Sergeant Major during a relief and appointment ceremony here Feb. 24.

As MCI West Sergeant Major, Bell will be in a leadership role of a command that is comprised of seven Marine Corps bases and stations.

About one hundred Marines, Sailors and family members were present to witness former MCI West Sgt. Maj. Juan F. Sandoval pass the noncommissioned-officer sword to Bell.

The symbolic passing of the sword signifies the transfer of responsibility that entails the transfer of total accountability and authority, from one sergeant major to another.

The 1st Marine Division Band was also there to perform for Marines, Sailors, friends and family members.

Sgt. Maj. Bell, who previously served as 1st Marine Division Sergeant Major, is eager to provide guidance for Marines and Sailors of MCI West, many of whom who are returning to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The MCI West Commanding General Maj. Gen. Michael R. Lehnert, who was also the reviewing officer for the ceremony, spoke on how sergeants major hold the Marine Corps together by taking care of their Marines.

“It takes a great Marine to become an officer,” said Lehnert. “But, it takes a ‘greater’ (enlisted) Marine to become a sergeant major.”

Sandoval spoke on how much he enjoyed working with Marines as the base sergeant major and MCI West Sergeant Major. As the ceremony came to a close, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Javier A. Nicholas, reminded everyone in the audience how all Marines are here to support the current war effort.

“Our primary goal is to support the operating forces and the (Marine Expeditionary Force), nothing else,” Bell said reiterating Nicholas’ comment.