MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- A re-designation ceremony was held at the 11 area parade deck to formally acknowledge the merger between Marine Corps Installations West and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, April 5.
Headquarters Marine Corps made the decision to merge in order to provide a more efficient and consistent level of support throughout the seven Southwestern region installations.
"This is a very important step in one of the many tasks that the commandant has given us, as we stand-up Marine Corps installations command," said Maj. Gen. James A. Kessler, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Command, referring to the ongoing process of becoming a fully operational command. scheduled for completion Oct. 1, 2012.
The consolidation of commands is consistent with MCIWEST's mission to implement policies, develop regional strategies and plans, prioritize resources, and provide services, direction and oversight to the installations located in California and Arizona.
"It's like merging two airlines," said Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, commanding general MCIWEST, MCB Camp Pendleton, while joking about the difficulties of combining the two installations. "They merge and they still lose your luggage."
During the ceremony, Coglianese relieved Col. Nicholas F. Marano, base commander, of his post and responsibilities.
In addition to the re-designation of the commands, a retirement ceremony was held to recognize Marano for his years of service. Marano had been in command of MCB Camp Pendleton since 2009.
"I've been truly blessed to have served with thousands of Marines," said Marano. "And I want to wish you all good luck as you transition to Marine Corps Installation West and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, a combined organization."