HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS - In December 2011, the Secretary of the Navy approved the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ recommendation to consolidate the maintenance centers in Albany, Ga., and Barstow, Calif., under a single command with two operating plant locations.
“Consolidating our depots under a single commander is the right balance between fiscal efficiency and meeting the unique requirements of the Marine Corps as America’s expeditionary force in readiness,” said Gen. James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The new command will reduce the overhead functions associated with two separate commands, which will significantly reduce costs, standardize processes between industrial plants and increase efficiency.
The two plant structure under one command allows the Marine Corps to consolidate its force today while maintaining an adequate capability to surge as necessary in the future.
“When Marines and sailors needed armored vehicles early in the fight in Iraq, it was our own depots that developed, produced and delivered the solution to the field first. Industry was not able to respond quickly enough, and Marine Corps’ depots got the job done. If my Marines are going to fight with this equipment, it is only prudent to retain a capability to fix it, modify it, and improve it. Ensuring Marines have what they need is my highest responsibility,” Amos said.
Col. Stephen Medeiros will assume command of the new Marine Depot Maintenance Command (MDMC) in a ceremony scheduled for February at the MDMC headquarters in Albany, GA.
Media interested in this HQMC decision should contact Capt. Kendra Hardesty at kendra.hardesty@usmc.mil or (703) 614-4309. Queries regarding the activation ceremony of MDMC should be directed to 1st Lt. J. Kyle Thomas at joe.thomas@usmc.mil or (229) 639-7023.