MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit hosted a combined change of command and relief and appointment ceremony on the Camp Del Mar parade deck, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 21, 2018. During the ceremony, Col. Joseph R. Clearfield and Sgt. Maj. Dennis K. Campbell, outgoing commanding officer and sergeant major respectively, transferred their duties and responsibilities to Col. Jay M. Holtermann and Sgt. Maj. Daniel E. Mangrum. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Desiree King)
During World War II, the Ryukyu Islands were the front line for a series of battles which culminated in the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific theater. The Battle of Okinawa lasted 82 days, from April 1 to June 22, 1945.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Steven R. Kerste, 3rd Marine Logistics Group safety chief, joined the Marine Corps Oct. 15, 1990 as a refrigeration mechanic and has been honorably serving ever since.
