MCB Camp Pendleton, MCI-West merge during re-designation ceremony

Photo By Sgt. Trevon Peracca | Col. Nicholas F. Marano, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, speaks at his retirement ceremony after receiving the Legion of Merit with a gold star in lieu of second award, at 11 area parade deck, April 5. Marano received the award for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as commanding officer, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, from June 2009 to April 2012.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

04.05.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Derrick Irions 

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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, which is scheduled for completion Oct. 1, 2012, 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. Colglianese, 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, Colglinanese 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."

• Date Taken: 04.05.2012
• Date Posted: 04.09.2012 19:15
• Story ID: 86506
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US