MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Over the years, the Marine Corps has watched its leaders come and go, each leaving their legacy behind in those they led and commanded. Such changes of command signify new beginnings in the never-ending fight for freedom.
Standing in front of the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Lt. Col. Todd S. Desgrosseilliers took command from Lt. Col. Timothy S. Mundy during one such ceremony here Jan. 13.
“I know the battalion is going to be in good hands with Desgrosseilliers,” Mundy said as he addressed his Marines for the last time.
As the ceremony ensued, the battalion colors were passed down from Mundy to Desgrosseilliers, signifying the official command change with Desgrosseilliers as the new leader of the battalion.
“I am now coming back home to the 2nd Marine Division,” Desgrosseilliers said addressing his Marines for the first time. “I am very glad to be here and look forward to our future.”
Mundy returned in September with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment from a seven-month-long deployment to Iraq. Desgrosseilliers will soon follow in his footsteps and lead the Marines into battle in the near future, when they deploy back to Iraq for another tour.
“To the Marines and sailors of the battalion, I look forward to leading you into the next deployment later on this year,” Desgrosseilliers explained.
Mundy and Desgrosseilliers are both familiar with deployments and being away from home for an extended period of time. Mundy was with the 3rd Marine Division and took part in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, while Desgrosseilliers was with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit earlier on in his career.
“I want to thank everyone for a wonderful turnover to a great battalion,” Desgrosseilliers said in his closing remarks. “It’s an honor to be your new battalion commander.”