2nd MLG changes command

[USMCRET6391]

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (May 26, 2006) -- Brigadier Gen. James A. Kessler assumed command of 2nd Marine Logistics Group from Col. Stephen W. Otto during an assumption of command ceremony, May 25.

Otto took over the command after its former commanding general, Brig. Gen. John E. Wissler, was called to serve at the Pentagon. Wissler led 2nd MLG during operations in Iraq during September 2004 through April 2006, to include one year in Iraq.

After remarks from the narrator, the command colors were passed as the orders were announced directing Otto to relinquish command of 2nd MLG and for Kessler to assume the duties as the new commanding general.

“I can’t think of a better place I would rather be than standing right here,” Kessler announced during a speech to those in attendance. “The reputation of 2nd MLG extends beyond (interstate) 95, through the beltway and inside the halls of the Pentagon. This command is known throughout the Marine Corps.”

Before taking this post, Kessler, a Mountlake Terrace, Wash., native, served as the commanding officer for Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, as well as camp commander of Camp Kinser in Okinawa, Japan.

While there, he also took the helm in Sri Lanka as the commanding officer of Marine Logistics Regiment 2, Combat Logistics Group-Sri Lanka, Joint Task Force 536 in support of Operation Unified Assistance. The operation was organized to provide humanitarian relief in the Indian Ocean during December 2004.

Upon completion of the humanitarian relief, he was assigned to Installations and Logistics, Headquarters Marine Corps in Quantico, Va., as the executive assistant to the deputy commandant.

“Putting my name with your illustrious command is an honor,” Kessler said. “Personnel, equipment and family readiness will make this command successful. If all this happens, then the command will be successful when we step on the battlefield again one day.”