MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Brig. Gen. Lori Reynolds took command of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and the Eastern Recruiting Region from Brig. Gen. Frederick Padilla at a change-of-command ceremony at the All Weather Training Facility, June 17.
Reynolds came to Parris Island from I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group and relieved Padilla of command after he spent nearly two years leading the depot’s Marines.
Padilla spoke at the ceremony, acknowledging his family, distinguished guests and former peers, as well as the group he described as the most important.
“I’d also like to thank the Marines here. I have served with none better,” Padilla said, addressing the Marines standing in formation behind him.
“These Marines formed up here are only a small bit of the literally thousands that are out there that make what we do possible – making Marines.”
After thanking the Marines formerly under his command, Padilla took one last moment to bid farewell to the audience and finally to the Marines.
“It has been an honor to serve with you Marines that do this day in and day out,” Padilla said. “I wish you the best, and I hope that our paths cross again.”
Padilla then stepped back toward his seat and handed the microphone to Reynolds as she took to the center of the facility.
“I have to tell you what an honor it is to stand before you today as your new commanding general,” Reynolds said, addressing the Marines in formation.
She spoke about her satisfaction with the quality Marines Padilla had left to her and went on to praise the mission of Parris Island.
“There is no finer mission than to make Marines,” she said.
She ended her speech by expressing what a privilege it was for her to serve as commanding general of Parris Island.
“I look forward to learning from you, I look forward to serving with you and I assuredly look forward to leading you,” Reynolds said.