CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Col. David R. Everly relinquished his command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) to Brig. Gen. Select Anthony M.
Henderson during a change of command ceremony May 11, 2021.
The change of command is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority from the off-going to the oncoming commander and comes at a time when 2nd MEB is experimenting with new concepts while also sustaining traditional roles.
Everly said that 2nd MEB continues to fulfill a critical role for II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and the Marine Corps in the 21st century.
“2nd MEB is a ready force that has an expeditionary and naval warfighting capability able to respond at a moment’s notice,” said Everly. “2nd MEB is ready to be the forward element of the MEF capable of commanding across the spectrum.”
Everly served as commanding officer of 2nd MEB since March 25, 2021 when he replaced Brig. Gen. David L. Odom. He served in this role while also serving as the G-5 Plans Assistant Chief of Staff, II MEF.
“The team that Brig. Gen. Henderson will inherit is some of the most professional individuals I have ever worked with,” said Everly.
Everly, a native of Inglewood, California, commissioned into the Marine Corps in 1995 and will continue to serve with Henderson at 2nd MEB as the chief of staff.
Henderson, selected for brigadier general March 5, 2021, is set to promote during his tenure as the commander of 2nd MEB. His role as the Commanding General of 2nd MEB will also include the billet of Deputy Commanding General of II MEF.
The mentorship and advice that was bestowed upon Henderson over the past 30 years has forged the leader he is today.
“I spoke today about my family, I spoke about several of my fellow Marines who I know and love,” said Henderson. “One of the most impactful people would be my former company first sergeant who challenged me to face the harder decisions I need to make, not the easier ones.”
Lt. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, the commanding general of II MEF, underscored the importance of 2nd MEB as well as the importance in the selection of its leadership.
“Brig. Gen. Select Henderson has done it all which is why he was selected to be a general officer in the Marine Corps,” said Beaudreault. “He’s been in this MEB business before and has taken us to combat.”
Henderson who commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1989, served as a career infantry officer and his experience includes multiple tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His most recent assignment was Director of Concepts and Plans at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.
Taking command of the 2nd MEB feels similar to taking command of a rifle platoon, said Henderson. “As long as you are in the company of Marines, you are responsible for preparing and leading the world’s greatest fighting force.”