3rd MLG hails Nelson

III Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning

Date: 07.03.2012
Posted: 07.05.2012 17:53
News ID: 91145
3rd MLG hails Nelson

OKINAWA, Japan - Brig. Gen. Craig C. Crenshaw relinquished command of 3rd Marine Logistics Group to Brig. Gen. Niel E. Nelson at a change of command ceremony at Camp Kinser July 3.

Crenshaw commanded 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force, since June 2010 and will next serve at the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.

“This has been a very exciting tour for me,” said Crenshaw. “I would like to say that I am satisfied in the job these Marines and sailors have done in my time here. They responded in 2011 for operations in mainland Japan. They were attached to operational combat-ready units to fight terrorism in Afghanistan, they did it with combat logistics battalions, and they did it with engineer support battalions. We were asked to go to Thailand to support the flood relief efforts and, these Marines and sailors were ready.”
Nelson previously served as the commanding general of Training Command, Training and Education Command, Quantico, Va., since August 2011.

“It is an absolute honor to come back to Okinawa and take command of this unit,” said Nelson. “To the Marines and sailors, I look forward to meeting you in the coming weeks.”

During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, commented on the significance of the event.

“This is a big day for the MEF, the Crenshaws and the Nelsons,” said Glueck. “The MLG has been a major contributing factor to what we have been able to do here in III MEF. Whether it is in exercises, operations or flood relief, they have been there every single time. Brig. Gen. Crenshaw, as you move to the joint staff I wish you fair winds and following seas. Brig. Gen. Nelson, you have a great group of Marines and sailors here, and you have a great group of support personnel across the MEF that look forward to working with you.”

Crenshaw showed his pride in 3rd MLG while turning over his command to Nelson.

“It is really unbelievable the performance these Marines and sailors have had over the past few years,” said Crenshaw. “They are ready, they have been ready, and they will be ready tomorrow. What you are inheriting is a fantastic organization. These Marines and sailors are good, and they are good because of the leadership they have. These commanders who stand in front of you are the best we have. This is your command, they deserve the best in leadership and you will provide it to them. Lead them well.”