JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – The commanding officer of a United States Marine Corps Reserve logistics battalion relinquished command to the incoming commanding officer in a ceremony at the Naval and Marine Corps Training Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., March 2.
The training center is unique in that it is a reserve facility located on JBLM allowing sailors and Marines use of the joint environment resources. More than 100 sailors and Marines stood representing the unit’s approximately 1,200 personnel, more than seven companies and detachments.
The 4th Landing Support Battalion falls under the command of 4th Marine Logistics Group based out of New Orleans, La. The battalion provides command, control and personnel support for helicopter and amphibious landings, and operations that follow ashore.
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Troy Liddi turned over command of 4th LSB to Lt. Col. David Brooks. Liddi, originally from Irvine, Calif., had commanded the battalion since January 2011.
Brooks, a native of Ripon, Wis., most recently served as the Regimental Logistics Officer for 23rd Marine Regiment, San Bruno, Calif. In this position, Brooks oversaw logistics support for major overseas annual training exercises.
Liddi will go on to an assignment with the 1st Civil Affairs Group at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He currently works for the San Francisco State University Police Department as a police sergeant.
“I have the many sailors and Marines [here] to thank for the success of my past 24 months in command,” Liddi said. “Thanks to you for your engagement, your constant focus, decision-making, dedication and service.”
Following his farewell speech, Liddi handed off a symbolic command baton to Brooks.
“I’m honored to be selected to lead this battalion,” Brooks said.
“The battalion has a strong reputation for getting the job done and a rich history of tradition. That doesn’t come easily or by accident, it comes on the shoulders of the hard-working sailors and Marines of the battalion, and for that I’m grateful and look forward to continuing these accomplishments.”
The 4th LSB has operated out of JBLM since March 1995. There are plans for the unit to be reorganized into a new combat logistics battalion, more in line with its active duty USMC counterparts.
“My goal is to lead this battalion through the upcoming transition and to continue the good work that’s been done - as our new motto will say – Sustaining the Warrior,” Brooks said.