CATC Camp Fuji bids farewell to Finley, welcomes Escamilla

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Jean-Paul | Col. Christopher R. Escamilla gives his remarks during a change of command ceremony July 12 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan. Col. Todd R. Finley relinquished command of CATC Camp Fuji to Escamilla as commanding officer. ““I want to thank my family for supporting me through my career, and I want to thank the Marines for allowing my family become part of their family,” said Escamilla. Finley is the former commanding officer, who relinquished command to Escamilla, current commanding officer of CATC Camp Fuji.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.12.2016

Story by Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Marines and sailors bid farewell to Col. Todd R. Finley and welcomed Col. Christopher R. Escamilla as their new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony aboard Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji July 12.

Finley assumed the role of commanding officer, relieving James R. Fullwood, in June of 2015. While serving as commanding officer, Finley oversaw the training of over 6,000 Marines and hosted numerous community relations events including the annual Fuji Friendship Festival. Finley also played a crucial role in fostering fruitful partnerships with the local government and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Finley received a Legion of Merit with a gold star, the sixth highest U.S. military award.

“Col. Finley commanded with true love for Japan and the Marine Corps, and with true compassion for his Marines,” said Maj. Gen. Joaquin F. Malavet, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. “I have no doubt that Col. Escamilla will take it to the next level.”

For Escamilla, coming to Japan has brought his career full circle. Lieutenant Escamilla first reported to Japan as a Forward Observer with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment in 1994. Twenty two years, four overseas tours, two combat deployments and a Republic of Korea-US Alliance Award later, Col. Escamila returns to Japan to provide the CATC Fuji with the superb leadership and work ethic he has provided Marines for the last two decades.

“I am honored to be standing here as the new commander for CATC Camp Fuji,” said Escamilla. “I talked to a Marine yesterday and what he said really hit me. He said ‘we are a family.’ I want to thank my family for supporting me through my career, and I want to thank the Marines for allowing my family become part of theirs.”

As the new commanding officer of CATC Fuji, Escamila will play a demanding and critical role in the Marine Corps’ mission in the Asia-Pacific region, providing the Corps with a forward-based platform for vital training, troop readiness and force projection while also fostering critical partnerships in the region.

According to Escamila, he more than welcomes the challenge.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2016
• Date Posted: 07.15.2016 02:23
• Story ID: 204029
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP