2nd Marine Division CG relinquishes command

Photo By Sgt. Melodie Snarr | Maj. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, the former commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, gives his final thanks to the Marines and sailors in 2nd Marine Division during the change of command ceremony held at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 10, 2016. Beaudreault commanded the division for 22 months before being relieved. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Melodie Snarr/Released)  

NC, UNITED STATES

06.10.2016

Story by Cpl. Melodie Snarr 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Maj. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, former commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, relinquished command of the division to Maj. Gen. John Love during a change of command ceremony held at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 10, 2016.
Beaudreault took command of 2nd Marine Division August 7, 2014. Upon assumption of command, Beaudreault was focused on improving the division with large scale training.
“It is important is to ensure this division is prepared to fight the next war. We are a force that is trained in combined arms, and we will see more training that involves getting our units into integrated or large-scale exercises. It is important from a training standpoint that we look forward, take the lessons we have learned in the past, and apply them,” Beaudreault said.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Walter Miller, the commanding general for II Marine Expeditionary Force, spoke to the accomplishments of Beaudreault.
“I get to say farewell to another great leader,” Miller said. “[Beaudreault’s] hallmark was being ready and [he’s] done that. He’s taken the division to a new high. He’s done some great things [to the division.]”
Sgt. Maj. David Bradford, the sergeant major for 2nd Marine Division, delivered the colors to Beaudreault for him to pass on to Love. The colors of a Marine Corps unit symbolize the authority and accountability of command. By accepting the colors from Beaudreault, Love accepted command and made a commitment to lead the division.
“To the Marines and sailors of 2nd Marine Division, I can’t tell you how honored and privileged I am to be serving with you in our division. I pledge to you that I will try to live up the best I can to our motto ‘Semper Fidelis’ and I expect the same from you,” said Love.
Love served as the Director of Operations for Planning, Policies and Operations at Headquarters Marine Corps before taking command of the division. He expressed his excitement to take command of the division in his first guidance to the Marines and sailors of the division.
“My wife, and I are honored to be with you and your families here on what will be our fourth tour of duty at Camp Lejeune,” Love said. “I’m proud to be serving with you in our “follow me” division.
Beaudreault has received orders to United States Africa Command. Beaudreault thanked the Marines and sailors of the division during his final letter to the division.
“Thank you for your patriotism, professionalism, dedication, and superior results that sustain the sterling reputation of the 2nd Marine Division,” Beaudreault said. “Best wishes for continued success as you continue to march forward. Semper Fidelis.”

• Date Taken: 06.10.2016
• Date Posted: 06.10.2016 15:46
• Story ID: 200685
• Location: NC, US