MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- A change of command is more than a time-honored tradition in the Marine Corps, it’s also a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one Marine to another. Commanders have the chance to look back and reflect on the blood, sweat and sacrifices they have committed to the Marines they led.
The whole regiment was assembled as South Bend, Ind., native, Lt. Col. Christopher Mayette relinquished command of 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, to Col. Glenn T. Starnes of Dallas during a change of command ceremony here, Oct. 31.
Mayette assumed command of the regiment in September 2005.
In 1988, after graduating from The Basic School and the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Mayette joined Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment where he served as a forward observer, field direction officer.
He also served with 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment as a battery commander, regimental assistant operations officer, and a director of the Artillery Training School.
Starnes will get a fresh start with a familiar unit. Highlights of his career include commander of 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and the executive officer of the regiment. Starnes also did two years with the permanent joined headquarters for the United Kingdom where he was made an officer of the British Empire.
After seven months in Iraq he returned to bring the regiment back to the basics.
“As with most units in the 2nd Marine Division, the regiment is always on the go,” Starnes said. “We are out there doing everything from infantry to police duty. Now I want to get back to basics. Operation Iraqi Freedom proved that we need artillery in the battle.”
This does not mean the battalion will no longer perform other functions.
“We are trained to be artillery men but we don’t shirk responsibility,” Starnes explained. “We can do anything from infantry to civil affairs.”