SAN DIEGO - Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, said farewell to the battalion’s former commander and welcomed a new face to the unit.
Lt. Col. Jay D. Wylie relinquished his duty and responsibilities as commander for CLB-13 to Lt. Col. George W. Markert at a change of command ceremony here, Nov. 17.
“You can tell a lot about the unit by its commander. By the look of things, CLB-13 was in great hands,” said Col. James Clark, regimental commander, CLR-17, 1st MLG. “They’ve accomplished a lot on their deployment and congratulations on a job well done.”
After a great run at Camp Pendleton and a successful deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to Western Pacific, Wylie, from Salem, Ore., passed on the battalion’s accomplishments and its legacy to a new leader as he takes on the role as G-4 for 1st MLG.
“I’m extremely proud of the Marines and sailors of CLB-13,” said Wylie. “It was a privilege to be their battalion commander. They’ve made my job a lot easier by doing the right thing at all times.”
Since he took on the role as the battalion commander on Sept. 18, 2009, Wylie said he knew that it was where he needed to be.
“This is the job that I joined the Marine Corps for,” he said. “It’s an honor to say that I’ve led a battalion of Marines. They’ve done a fabulous job and I’m sure they’ll continue to do great things under their new commander.”
Clark welcomed Markert to the battalion, known as ‘Lucky 13.’
“It’s a big honor to be a member of CLB-13,” said Clark. “To be a commander of this battalion of Marines is beyond even that.”
Markert was humbled and honored to take on the role as the battalion commander.
“CLB-13 is an outstanding and professional organization,” said Markert, from Virginia Beach, Va. “The Marines and sailors have done a lot worldwide and I’m lucky to have them. You’ve made a name for yourself as a great Marine Expeditionary Unit. I don’t think I could have been set up any better.”
Markert said he is looking forward to continue the great traditions of the battalion and prepare for their future deployment.
“It’s a great day for me,” he said. “I couldn’t be more ready to step up and continue the tradition and accomplish great things with the Marines and sailors. It’s an honor and a privilege to lead and command a battalion of Marines.”