MARINE CORPS LOGISITICS BASE ALBANY -- Colonel Stephen A. Ritchie assumed command of Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany after Colonel Matthew J. McKinney relinquished command, June 29.
McKinney transitions into retirement. Ritchie comes to MCLB Albany after serving as inspector general, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.
Leadership from the Albany area community were in attendance at the change of command ceremony. Also at the ceremony was Col. Gregory Pace, commander, MCIEAST, who made brief remarks as did the outgoing and incoming colonels.
McKinney was awarded the Legion of Merit with gold star in lieu of second award at the change of the command.
Following the change of command, a retirement ceremony was held for McKinney to celebrate his twenty-seven years of service to the Marine Corps and the work he has done aboard MCLB Albany.
McKinney said, "It was an honor and privilege to serve the MCLB and Albany community for three years. Some of the best times of my life, and I think the base and the community for all of the wonderful memories. This is not goodbye, it's see you later."