MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Brig. Gen. Bobbi Shea ceremoniously passed her duties as Commanding General of 1st Marine Logistics Group to Brig. Gen. Philip N. Frietze during a change-of-command ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, Apr. 29, 2021.
The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one officer to another.
“This is 1st MLG’s day. This isn’t about one person, this is about the unit. This unit which is storied,” said Lt. Gen. Karsten S. Heckl, Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force.
Brig. Gen. Shea took command of 1st MLG July 19, 2019 and since then has led the Group through various exercises as well as real world operations. She will go on to serve as Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, leaving a lasting legacy of growth and innovation.
“From the high altitudes of MWTC to the sub-surface operations with our EOD Marines, from the heat of the UAE, upwards of 110 degrees, to the frigid cold of Alaska, I have just been so privileged to bear witness to these Marines, writing this chapter in 1st MLG’s history,” said Shea.
Brig. Gen. Frietze recently served as the commander for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Southern Command. Frietze has served in various command positions but is no stranger to the 1st MLG, as he served as both the commanding officer of 7th Engineer Support Battalion and Headquarters Regiment (now known as Combat Logistics Regiment 17).
“It’s really great to be back home it truly is,” said Frietze. “Kathay and I are very humbled and excited to be back as part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force team as well as the 1st MLG family. We look forward to moving the needle forward for Force 2030.” He stated, making note of his previous time with the MLG family as well as I MEF.
Frietze will take command of an MLG whose mission is to provide direct support to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force ground combat element, general support, and sustained tactical-level logistics support above the organic capabilities of supported elements of I MEF.
Over the last few years, 1st MLG has participated in real world missions and exercises afloat and ashore in U.S. CENTCOM and U.S. INDOPACOM and provided Defense Support to Civil Authorities wildland firefighting in Northern California and through COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts nationwide. No matter the challenge, 1st MLG will remain ready, trained, and capable with some of the best Sailors and Marines the Navy and Marine Corps has to offer.