Change of command takes place Friday, Aug. 1 on Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton will host a Change of Command Ceremony at the 11 Area Parade Field at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 1. Brig. Gen. John W. Bullard will relinquish command of Marine Corps Installations West (MCI-W) and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta.

Bullard served as commanding general here since August 2013, acting as both commanding general for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton as well as commanding general for MCI-W, in which he had regional authority over five Marine Corps installations in California and Arizona.

During his tenure, he provided critical service support to more than 50,000 Marines, sailors, civilian employees and family members. Through his emphasis on emergency management and his personal relationship with local, state and federal officials he also facilitated rapid extinguishment and recovery from numerous wild land fires without adverse impact to operational readiness.

Banta previously served as the 2nd Marine Logistics Group commanding general. During Banta's time with 2nd MLG, units under his command conducted logistical support to operations in the Middle East, aboard ships and in multi-national cooperation exercises.