MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Brig. Gen. John K. Love relinquished command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Aug. 26.
Love served as the commanding general of the brigade for two years and is scheduled to be the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Polices, and Operations at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C.
During his remarks, Love praised the Marines and sailors in the brigade for their mentorship and said they were responsible for leading the charge in what he called “the dawning of the MEBs in the Marine Corps.”
“This marks the occasion for the future of the MEB,” said Love. “The MEB has assumed the role of an operational unit and will soon be participating in service level exercises. When you leave here today, know the MEB is ready to move forward.”
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. William Beydler, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, applauded Love for his leadership and his ability to take an idea and shape it into the framework for the brigade.
“[He] has taken the brigade from a concept, to something that is standing here in front of you,” said Beydler. “He has assured their readiness and demonstrated their readiness, time and time again.”
During his remarks, Simcock said he was ready to get to work and start training with the Marines in his command.
Simcock is assuming command after serving as the deputy commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces-Pacific at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.