Photo By Sgt. Steven Fox | Colonel Jon D. Duke speaks to an audience of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Colonel Archibald M. Mclellan relinquished command of Marine Raider Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, to Col. Jon D. Duke during a ceremony in front of the MARSOC headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 3, 2015.
Marines, sailors, family and friends were in attendance to watch the change of command, signified by the passing of the colors between the two commanders.
During the ceremony, Mclellan reflected on his time leading MRSG, and the accomplishments of the Marines in his charge.
“The Marines, sailors and soldiers of the Marine Raider Support Group, standing before you, are the epitome of the phrase, ‘Quiet Professionals,’” said Mclellan. “They don't seek recognition, they do things right and they work incredibly hard.”
Marine Raider Support Group’s mission is to train Marines of numerous occupational disciplines, and sustain and maintain their combat readiness. Marine Special Operations Forces deployed worldwide rely on the provision of these specially qualified support forces to assist in the execution of a full spectrum of special operations.
Mclellan took care to recognize the MRSG personnel for accomplishing their ascribed missions.
“Marine Raider Support Group, thank you for accomplishing job number one,” said Mclellan, citing, “chops on time to standard, an unparalleled level of exercise and general support, and your focus on material readiness.”
During his tenure, Mclellan oversaw a component wide re-organization, disbanding two support battalions and a logistics battalion to inaugurate the three Marine Raider Support Battalions. The re-organization facilitated better habitual relationships between the Marine Raider Battalions and the operation-enabling support personnel for episodic deployments, and it attuned regional and cultural awareness, as support personnel are now better able to focus on their respective battalion’s regionally aligned area of operation. In addition, MRSG redesigned its training and exercise program to address forces’ shift from Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan, to preparing for employment supporting Foreign Internal Defense Security Force Assistance and Preparation of the Environment missions.
As it appears today, MRSG is a functionally and operationally different organization than it was when Mclellan first took command. He now leaves a matured unit, better able to fulfill its requirement, and well established in the SOF community.
Duke, with an extensive history in special operations, arrives to MRSG returning from a Central Africa deployment. He draws his experience from the Marine Reconnaissance community, MARSOC and several other coveted commands and duty assignments.
“I am extremely proud to stand before this organization again,” said Duke.“I pledge all the hard work, dedication, loyalty and teamwork that has been instilled in me throughout the years I will extend to you. I look forward to doing great things with you.”
| Date Taken: | 07.07.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2015 16:40 |
| Story ID: | 169317 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 601 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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