BARSTOW, Calif. - Col. Daniel P. Ermer relinquished command of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow to Col. Michael L. Scalise during a change of command ceremony at Sorensen Field June 27.
Brig. Gen. Vincent Coglianese, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations-West, attended the ceremony along with former MCI-West commanding general, now retired Maj. Gen. Anthony Jackson, Marine leaders, friends, family, Department of Defense employees and Barstow residents.
The ceremony included the passing of the MCLB Barstow colors, remarks from the incoming and outgoing commanders and a performance by the 1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Ermer, a native of Mason City, Iowa, served as the commanding officer of MCLB Barstow since June 2009. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the operational readiness through infrastructure, logistics and services in order to support the war fighter.
“I take pride (in) this installation,” he said. The commitment this organization has for supporting the war fighter speaks highly of the leadership, he further explained.
Prior to taking the reins in Barstow, he served as the assistant chief of staff, G4- Installations and Logistics for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Ermer will move on to serve in the office of the Secretary of Defense.
He was extremely happy, when he found out who would be the incoming commanding officer of MCLB Barstow. The two Iowa natives have been friends for more than 13 years and have crossed paths throughout the years, explained Ermer.
“You’re a great man to take over this command,” he said, as he announced Col. Scalise to the audience.
Opening remarks from Col. Scalise were kind words to the former commanding officer.
“I only hope that at the end of my three years, I have accomplished just as much as you,” said Scalise.
Scalise, a native of Hampton, Iowa, transferred from being the J-4 director for Special Operations Command Africa in Stuttgart, Germany. As he takes command, he will take on multiple responsibilities, including the oversight of the second largest employer in the Barstow area.
His military career began after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Buena Vista College at Storm Lake. Scalise was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Marine Corps December, 1988.
Upon graduation from the Logistics Officer Basic Course, he checked into 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He served as the command’s embark officer and S-4A.
I n 1992, Scalise reported to Inspector Instructor Duty in San Jose, Calif., as the 4th Air Delivery Platoon Commander and Assistant Inspector Instructor. Upon completion of his tour he attended the Army Logistics Advance Course at Ft Lee, Virginia.
Once the course was completed, he checked into Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group-13 , 13th MEU, I MEF, Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he completed two Western Pacific deployments.
Completing his deployments and tours overseas, he assumed duties as executive officer for Marine Wing Support Group 27, II MEF, where he deployed to the Al Anbar Province in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Upon his return, he assumed command of Marine Wing Support Squadron 272. Following command, he attended the Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base and earned a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies in May 2010.
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a gold star, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.
“I look forward to working for this command… and to being a part of the (Marine Corps Installations-West) team,” he said.
Date Taken: | 06.27.2012 |
Date Posted: | 07.09.2012 18:59 |
Story ID: | 91297 |
Location: | BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA, US |
Hometown: | HAMPTON, IOWA, US |
Hometown: | MASON CITY, IOWA, US |
Web Views: | 509 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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