MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. -- Colonel Gregory B. Pace assumed command of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, during a ceremony held at Semper Fit Gymnasium, aboard the base, July 1.
The ceremony included the traditional Marines in formation, with a Walking Color Guard to present colors. Keynote speaker, Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, spoke about both, the incoming and outgoing colonels, highlighting the accomplishments of Col. Craig C. Clemans, during his tenure commanding MCLB Barstow, to include generating support for billions of pounds in railway equipment transportation through the base, and increasing training capabilities to include more Special Forces opportunities and training by external units at the base range. He also welcomed Col. Gregory B. Pace, commending him for his career to date, and assuring everyone that he is the right man for the job, at the right time.
Both, Col. Clemans and Col. Pace offered a huge thanks for the support of their families throughout their Marine Corps careers, with wives who take care of the home front, so that they can focus on the work at hand without having to worry about how the families are functioning.
Hitting the ground running, Col. Pace and Sgt. Maj. Edward C. Kretschmer, MCLB Barstow’s base sergeant major, flew out in the early morning hours the day after he assumed command of the base, to join the Mounted Color Guard for the annual Cody Rodeo and Parade, taking place in Cody, Wyoming.
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During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Woodworth presented Col. Clemans with the Legion of Merit, citing his outstanding performance as base commander.
As part of his farewell speech, Col. Clemans quoted from the Bible, Proverbs 3: 5-6.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths,” he said stating that faith is a big part of his life and for those in his family, including his church family. “Thank you all for taking the time to be here today. It means so much to me.”
He then assured his wife, Ruth Clemans, who forged ahead to their new home in Georgia to stoke the home fires ahead of him that their vehicle was packed and he would be on the road by that afternoon.
Meanwhile, Col. Pace proceeded to the welcoming reception with his family, to meet and greet some of the military personnel and civilians now under his command, as well as members of the local community.
“I look forward to what lies ahead,” he said.
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