This command will join existing installation-focused regional Marine Corps installation commands in the United States: Marine Corps Installations West and Marine Corps Installations East. All three will report to the newly activated Marine Corps Installations Command at Headquarters Marine Corps.

Marines who fall under Marine Corps Bases Japan are already performing varying functions as an installation staff, including supporting regional and local base commands, local and regional exercises and large-scale operations.

The purpose of this HQMC-led reorganization is to more effectively and efficiently manage and oversee Marine Corps installation support services to operating forces, like III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“The intent is to establish installations excellence,” said Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri, commanding general Marine Corps Base Camp Butler and deputy commander of MCBJ, to assembled staff noncommissioned officers and officers during a recent briefing about the upcoming change.  “It’s absolutely the right thing to do.”

Talleri, who will continue to serve as Camp Butler’s commanding general, will become the commanding general of MCIPAC.

In Japan, MCIPAC command and staff will perform the regional missions and functions previously performed by Marine Corps Bases Japan, the regional command that will be deactivated today and replaced by MCIPAC. The command structure will streamline processes, so the current personnel can better support these demands.

“MCIPAC’s establishment under MCICOM will create a command that will serve as the single, regional authority accountable for regional installation management,” said Talleri. “Our number one priority is to optimize support to Marine Corps operating forces and tenant commands in the Pacific.”

Installations under MCIPAC’s responsibility will include MCB Camp Butler, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji in mainland Japan, MCAS Kaneohe Bay and MCB Hawaii, and Camp Mujuk in Republic of Korea.

“One of the most important reasons for activating this new command is to increase installation support to our operating forces, so they are able to maximize their combat readiness,” said Talleri. “By bringing all of our Pacific installation commands together, we will be better able to link operational force warfighting requirements to installation services and regional installation missions and functions.”

The ceremony deactivating MCBJ and activating MCIPAC is scheduled for today at 3 p.m. at building 1 on Camp Foster.