CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Maj. Gen. William J. Bowers relinquished command of Marine Corps Installations Pacific to Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Liszewski, June 24, 2022.
Prior to assuming command of MCIPAC, Liszewski served on the Joint Staff as the Deputy Director, Joint Training, Joint Staff J7, and a Director for the Russia and Ukraine Crisis Management Team. During his remarks, Bowers, who took command of MCIPAC in July, 2019, and will now be the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, thanked the Marines, their families, and the Japanese counterparts he worked with side-by-side for the past three years.
“To our 4,400 plus master labor contractors, know this: we could not do our job without you. It has been an inspiration and a special privilege to watch you come to work every day, give your 100 percent best in excellence, in everything you do,” said Bowers during his farewell speech.
“To our civilian workforce, what you have done over the past three years is show us that there is no challenge that can’t be overcome by people that are proud of who they are and what they do, who are well led and committed, who care for one another and treat everyone with dignity and respect and accomplish the mission.
“And to our Marines and Sailors, you protect our ethos and core values every day. Know that everything you do strengthens our Corps, strengthens our alliance, makes us better, adds to the teamwork that’s here, and indeed makes this combined Naval Expeditionary Force in the first island chain unbeatable.”
During the ceremony, Liszewski, a native of Annapolis, Maryland, conveyed his enthusiasm to take command of MCIPAC.
”For the Marines and sailors of MCIPAC, know that I am humbled, honored, and excited to join the team here. The work that you do epitomizes selfless spirit in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force,” he said. “But, equally as important as the support you give to the operational units in the Western Pacific is the vital life support that you give to the Sailors, Marines, and families that make up the force.”
MCIPAC exercises command and control, oversight, and budgetary guidance over the Marine Corps’ network of advanced naval bases in the indo-pacific in order to secure and protect our capabilities, strengthen our alliances, and expand the capabilities of forward-deployed naval expeditionary forces.
“For Steve, we’ve known each other for 30 plus years. You are the right Marine at the right time to take MCIPAC to the next level,” concluded Bowers. “We are thrilled for you, we are proud and excited for you to join the MCIPAC team. We wish you the best of luck. Semper Fidelis.”