CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - On a chilly December morning, servicemembers with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group bid farewell to their outgoing commanding officer and welcomed their new commander, Col. Gary F. Keim.
Col. Mark R. Hollahan, the departing commanding officer, turned responsibility of the regiment over to Keim in a ceremony here, Dec. 14.
“[Hollahan’s] performance here has been nothing short of top-notch and phenomenal, and we are certainly going to miss him,” said Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta, the commanding general of 2nd MLG. “You’re touch here has been terrific. Thank you for all you’ve done.”
Hollahan, who grew up in Decatur, Ga., expressed his admiration for the hard work and dedication of the members of the regiment.
“It’s been a tremendous ride with this small representation of the [more than 3,000] Marines and sailors who make up CLR-27,” Hollahan said, thanking the formations of servicemembers assembled for the ceremony. “The rest of them are still working.”
Hollahan said he was humbled by his two and a half years with the regiment and expressed his appreciation for the service members’ constant support.
He will carry on his service in Miami as the director of logistics for U.S. Southern Command.
Keim, a resident of Emerald Isle, N.C., who previously commanded CLR-27, recently returned from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., where he earned his master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
He said he is thankful to rejoin the regiment.
“I stand here because of the effort and performance of the Marines and sailors I have worked with and led up until this point,” Keim said, crediting his success to family and coworkers. “I’m very grateful, humbled and honored for this opportunity to command again.”
Keim thanked his mentors for their knowledge and experience. He said he will use their legacy to help the servicemembers under his command continue to succeed.
“I just cannot wait to get after it for another couple of years,” added Keim.