CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan -- 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force welcomed their new commanding general, Brig. Gen. (select) Tracy W. King, during a change of command ceremony July 18 at Roberts Field on Camp Kinser.
Before taking command of 3rd MLG, King was the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. King has served with all three active-duty MEFs and all four elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The 3rd MLG’s outgoing commanding general, Brig. Gen. Niel E. Nelson, took command of the unit in 2012. During his time in command, the logistics group executed several exercises and operations throughout the region, one of the largest being Operation Damayan, the disaster relief effort in the Philippines November 2013 following Typhoon Haiyan. The unit’s service and dedication has been noticed in Nelson’s eyes.
“I am proud of the MLG,” said Nelson, a Genoa, Nevada, native, during his farewell remarks. “I’ve been blessed to work here for two years with the most magnificent Marines, sailors and civilian Marines.”
The sentiment felt by Nelson was mirrored by King.
“I’m extremely proud to be able to take charge of this MLG,” said King. “They’ve been doing great things out here.”
Given the positive impacts and effects 3rd MLG has had across the Asia-Pacific during his time in command, the former commanding general is able to leave with pride and confidence, knowing the sailors and Marines he was privileged to lead will continue to carry a high standard, according to Nelson.
“This world-class logistics group has done everything I’ve asked them to do,” said Nelson. “It’s been my pleasure to come in to work; there’s nothing they can’t do.”