II MEF welcomes new commanding general

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Steve Cushman | Major Gen. William D. Beydler along with previous commander of II Marine Expeditionary Force reviews the Marines as they pass in parade. Beydler assumed command from Maj. Gen. Raymond C. Fox at a change of command ceremony, July 17, 2014, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Beydler is a graduate of Navy Fighter Weapons School and the Marine Aviation and Weapons Tactics Squadron One Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. He commanded at the Fighter Attack Squadron, Marine Aircraft Group, Marine Aircraft Wing and Joint levels. “We’ve got three things that we are going to focus on. Readiness, readiness, and readiness,” said Beydler. “What I mean by that is I want the Marines to be prepared to be deployable, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, and I want them ready to employ their skills when they get to a point of friction, so the Marines will be ready to meet any calling of our nation.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Alex Mitchell/released)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

07.17.2014

Courtesy Story

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., July 17, 2014 – Major Gen. William D. Beydler assumed command of the II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa from Maj. Gen. Raymond C. Fox, at a change of command ceremony at 9 a.m.

“It is the force in the right time, right place, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve done overseas,” said Fox, who began his command of II MEF July 13, 2012. “I’m honored and privileged to have commanded this MEF and it will be the highlight of my life; I guarantee it.”

Before taking command of II MEF, Fox served as commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. and Marine Corps Training and Education Command in Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition during which ensures continuity of authority over the officers and personnel of the command. During the ceremony, Fox passed the unit’s color to Beydler, representing the formal transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability from one Marine to another.

“The nation is busy and the Marine Corps is exceptionally busy,” said Beydler. “I’m ready for it. I’m ready to get back to work and started on this.”

Beydler is a graduate of Navy Fighter Weapons School and the Marine Aviation and Weapons Tactics Squadron One, Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. He commanded at the Fighter Attack Squadron, Marine Aircraft Group, Marine Aircraft Wing and Joint levels.

“We’ve got three things that we are going to focus on. Readiness, readiness, and readiness,” said Beydler. “What I mean by that is I want our Marines and sailors to be prepared and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice and ready to employ their skills when they get to a point of friction. So the Marines will be ready to meet any calling of our nation.”

• Date Taken: 07.17.2014
• Date Posted: 07.18.2014 15:48
• Story ID: 136562
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US