Dunford Succeeds Amos as Marine Corps Commandant

By Claudette Roulo

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2014 – After nearly four years as Marine Corps commandant, Gen. James F. Amos today passed command to Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. in a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington.

Amos, who is retiring, has a long record of leadership and impressive accomplishments in his 44 years of military service, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said at the change of command ceremony.

“He helped make peace -- and keep it -- in the Balkans. He commanded Marine aviation in Iraq. He served in important positions of responsibility at NATO and the Pentagon,” Hagel said.

“...As commandant, Jim brought a Marine aviator’s focus, discipline and creativity to the challenges facing the Corps at this unique time in our history,” the defense secretary said. Amos was the first Marine Corps Commandant to have come from the aviation community.

A Marine Corps in transition

Amos’ tenure as commandant spanned the drawdown and conclusion of two wars and a period of great budgetary uncertainty and wrenching challenges for the military, Hagel noted.

After more than 13 years of war, Amos oversaw the Marine Corps’ revitalization of its amphibious and expeditionary roles, the secretary said. Under Amos, he added, the Marine Corps led the way in the strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. And, under Amos’ leadership, “the Marines established an innovative rotational presence in Australia that will help strengthen our partnerships and alliances across the region,” the defense secretary said.

“From North Africa to the Middle East, when crisis strikes, the Marines are first responders, because Gen. Amos made readiness and the health of the force his highest priority, ensuring that Marines meet their mission with the right tools at the right time and with the highest standards of integrity and discipline,” Hagel said.

New commandant

“Great commandants are formed from great challenges,” said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who presided over the change of command ceremony.

“Today we say Godspeed to one great commandant, while we welcome the Marines' next great commandant,” Mabus said.

Dunford becomes the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps after a storied career as an infantry officer, Hagel said.

“Over the last two years his steady leadership -- his wise leadership -- of the International Security Assistance Force has successfully kept our transition in Afghanistan on track and on focus despite, despite unrelenting challenges,” the defense secretary said.

Dunford “is superbly qualified and prepared to help write the next chapter of the United States Marine Corps’ history,” Hagel said.