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Brig. Gen. William Faulkner

Photo by Marine Corps Bases Japan

3rd MLG CG prepares to depart

10 Jun 2010 | Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Holland Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Brig. Gen. William Faulkner, commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, is scheduled to relinquish command to Brig. Gen. (select) Craig Crenshaw, the previous commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II MEF, in a change of command ceremony Wednesday.

Faulkner, who took command of 3rd MLG in June 2008, will continue his service at the Pentagon, where he will serve as the vice-director of the Joint Staff J-4 directorate.

Faulkner said he looks forward to his next assignment, which differs somewhat from his current position.

“I’ll basically be coordinating the same logistical support type functions for the Joint Force that I do now for the III MEF commander,” Faulkner said.

Faulkner said the many accomplishments of 3rd MLG during his tenure were due to the preparedness and professionalism of his Marines and sailors.

“I was fortunate to inherit the talents of a great group of Marines and sailors,” the Cherry Point, N.C., native said.

”I’ve been very impressed with the high level of morale and focus on readiness at all times.”

Although no one or two events in particular stand out as the fondest or most vivid memory, Faulkner said each and every day has been personally and professionally rewarding.

“I’m constantly hearing from commanders outside the command how well our Marines and sailors are performing while deployed or participating in various exercises throughout the Pacific,” Faulkner said. “This is a tribute to their small unit leaders and consistently solid support from our III MEF and Marine Corps Bases Japan leadership.”

Crenshaw is fully qualified to take 3rd MLG to the next level and will inherit a talented and motivated group of Marines to accomplish future missions, Faulkner said.

“Most of our Marines and sailors joined while our nation was at war,” Faulkner said of the high quality of his Marines. “They all want to get to the fight.”

Faulkner said he and his family have enjoyed not only the culture and people of Okinawa, but the relationships they’ve established with the Marines, sailors and their families.

Faulkner encouraged his Marines and sailors to continue training for combat and setting the example in his absence.

“As I pass along command of 3rd MLG, my parting advice would be to be professional in all your actions, regardless of where you are or who’s watching,” Faulkner advised.

The 3rd MLG change of command is scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Robert’s Field on Camp Kinser.