Photo By Staff Sgt. Alfred V. Lopez | Col. Austin E. Renforth, the commanding officer of 7th Marine Regiment, and Col....... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTY NINE PALMS, Calif. – Col. Austin E. Renforth relieved Col. Randall P. Newman as commanding officer of the 7th Marine Regiment during a change-of-command ceremony at the combat center’s Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray memorial parade deck, March 17.
Newman assumed command of 7th Marines in 2008 and is moving onto the Marine Air Ground Task Force Staff training program in Quantico, Va.
“It’s such an honor to be a part of 7th Marines. To me this is the premier regiment of the Marine Corps, and to be a part of it is truly special,” Renforth said.
“I don’t want to go, but I’m proud to be able to present the men today,” said Newman, from Economy, Ind. “This is an opportunity to show the people the men that earned the reputation of the 7th Marines. It’s a proud day to stand them out in front of the guests today, give them a standing ovation to thank them for everything they do. It’s a good day all the way around.”
“It’s a comforting feeling that a man much better than I is coming in to take over,” said Newman. “He’s a great Marine and I know that the 7th will only get better, so I feel great about it.”
Renforth holds an outstanding record in the naval services that began in 1982 when he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was then commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps after graduating from the United States Naval Academy.
Renforth, held various assignments in his career, including battalion commander, platoon commander and executive officer. He has held tenure with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 5th Marines and as the Chief of Staff of 1st Marine Division, before assuming command of 7th Marines. Renforth served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Provide Promise and Operation Iraqi Freedom II, including the first assault of Fallujah.
Renforth’s personal awards include the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device and gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon with gold star in lieu of second award.
“I’m very fortunate that Col. Renforth is taking over because he’s a proven combat leader as I saw him do that in Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Michael R. Regner, commanding general of 1st Marine Division. “I’ve been very fortunate to work with him for about the first 7 months of my command. He’s been a very valuable resource and asset to me. He understands family readiness and he understand war-fighting. I believe he’ll do a great job with 7th Marines.”
“I want to continue the success they’ve set forth,” said Renforth. “There was a great commander before me, and there will be great ones after me, but I just want to give them all I have and give them the commitment of making them better every day.”
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.18.2011 14:16 |
| Story ID: | 67304 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 397 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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