Photo By Sgt. Cameron Hermanet | U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, left, and Maj. Gen. Robert C. Fulford,...... read more read more
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Over the last two years, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson has been at the helm of 1st Marine Division. He’s commanded the 20, 000 Marines and Sailors of the Blue Diamond as they have played a stronger role in the Pacific and worked to build a more effective ground combat force in support of Force Design.
The men and women of the division bid farewell to Watson as he relinquished command of 1st MARDIV to Maj. Gen. Robert Fulford during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 2.
“For the past two years I have had what is truly the best general officer job in the Marine Corps, because the 1st Marine Division really is different,” explained Watson, as he reflected on his tenure. “As the oldest, largest and most decorated division in our Corps, serving in the Blue Diamond brings with it a palpable sense of pride that resonates from the private first class to the major general. You can feel it, and there is nothing quite like it.”
He highlighted the unique challenges and triumphs of his command, noting the division's efforts to maintain readiness and continue modernization while supporting continuous deployments.
"I think the greatest highlight and challenge has been watching this team work so hard to balance the imperative to be ready to fight now if the nation calls, with the experimentation and innovation needed to help our Corps modernize for the future,” explained Watson. “We must be ready to fight the 1st Marine Division as a division in any clime and place, and at the same time we prepare our subordinate units every day for the constant drumbeat of overseas deployments and unexpected crises or contingencies.”
Throughout his tour, Watson underscored the importance of the Blue Diamond's ability to fight as a division, pushing his staff and subordinate commanders to prepare their Marines for the future fight.
“Along the division’s three lines of effort: the division as a warfighter, the division as a force provider, and the division's support to Force Design against a pacing threat, the commanding general ensured the Blue Diamond was focused and ready to fight now at every echelon of command,” said Sgt. Maj. Matthew Fouss, the sergeant major of 1st MARDIV.
At the same time, Watson made an effort to explain the division's mission to Marines through personal interactions.
"Gen. Watson reinforced, in my mind, the importance of showing dignity to everyone you interact with," explained Fouss. "He treated everyone the same, whether it was another general officer or a junior Marine. He gave respect and attention to everyone he engaged with, while also holding all to Marine Corps standards and discipline. He expected nothing less than your best efforts, as it is critical to the division’s success."
“I, and I believe any Blue Diamond Marine you talk to, would willingly follow Maj. Gen. Watson onto any battlefield,” added Fouss.
Watson, a native of Syracuse, New York, has dedicated 33 years of service to the Marine Corps, with two previous tours serving at the Blue Diamond. He served as the division’s plans officer from 2007 to 2008, and then subsequently served as the battalion commander for 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, till 2011. Watson deployed with the battalion twice, once as the battalion landing team for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and then to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
His first trip as the division’s commanding general was to Guadalcanal for the 80th anniversary of the landing. As someone who has traveled to many places with the division, this trip was especially memorable for him.
"The opportunity to see the landing beaches, walk along Bloody Ridge and Alligator Creek, and think about what those Marines and Sailors did helped focus my thinking,” said Watson. “That trip reminded me that the 1st Marine Division exists for one reason - to be the most ready when the nation is least ready - to be ready to fight and win in any clime and place against a peer adversary."
Integral to Watson's success during his tour has been the support of his wife, Emily Watson.
"I have found the family atmosphere in the 1st Marine Division to be made up of the most supportive, funny, and smart humans,” said Emily. “I loved meeting everyone and hearing their stories."
Watson will go on to replace Lt. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams as the commanding general of Training and Education Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
Looking ahead to their new role in Quantico, Emily says she’s excited to continue contributing.
"I plan to continue to be involved and spend the first few months just listening and observing so I can learn from everyone there," said Emily.
As Fulford takes command of the Blue Diamond, 1st Marine Division looks to continue its tradition of excellence and readiness. The change of command ceremony not only honored Watson’s contributions but also celebrated the division’s enduring legacy and the promise of new leadership.
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2024 18:58 |
| Story ID: | 475324 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 460 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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