MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Col. Nick I. Brown ceremoniously passed his duties as commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 17 to Col. John S. McCalmont during a combined post and relief and change of command ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, May 13, 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.
“I was really misinformed when I was told this MLG only takes care of itself, it takes care of the MAGTF,” said Brown. “Ready to go at all times, that’s what the MLG is.”
Col. Nick L. Brown took command of CLR-17 June 26, 2019 and since then has led the Regiment through various exercises as well as real world operations. Brown will go on to serve as the commander for Installations and Logistics.
Col. John S. McCalmont has served in various command positions but is no stranger to the 1st MLG, as he served as the commanding officer of 1st Supply Battalion.
“I will give you my 110%, all I ask is for your 110% back and I hope as you leave CLR-17 you’ll look back and not only be proud of your accomplishments as an organization but as an individual,” said McCalmont.
Sgt. Maj. Ronda R. Kirkby also passed her duties as sergeant major of the regiment to Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Ryan during a post and relief ceremony.
“Most male Marines, don’t say, ‘I love my Marines,’ but we had a conversation and he said, ‘I love my Marines.’ I knew right then that he was the right person to take over in this regiment,” said Kirkby.
Col. John S. McCalmont & Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Ryan will take command of a CLR whose mission is to provide direct support to the MLG with command and control, administration, communications, food services, services, landing support and terminal operations and security support.