MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE, ALBANY GA. -- Marine Corps Logistics Command welcomed a new commanding general with a lavish change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany June 16. Brigadier Gen. Eugene G. Payne relinquished command of LogCom to Maj. Gen. Willie J. Williams, former assistant deputy commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
LogCom includes MCLB Albany, Ga., MCLB Barstow, Calif., Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, Fla., and Maintenance Centers Albany and Barstow.
“My vision is to institute and implement the most efficient logistics solutions possible,” said Williams. “To accomplish this, all the depots must be key players. The Marines, sailors and civilians aboard LogCom bases are the engines that run this machine. A vision is just something on paper unless you have committed people who will implement it.”
Williams stressed the importance of LogCom’s mission to troops deployed overseas, saying that without logistical support warfighters would be incapable of completing their objectives.
“Our work is extremely important to the troops on the ground. Our warfighters need to have equipment that is ready and working in order to survive on the battlefield. Functional equipment is one of the most important factors in warfighting. We need everyone’s head to be in the game so no one on the battle field is left wanting,” Williams said.
The incoming commanding general brings with him a “hands-on” leadership style aimed at increasing productivity and supporting deployed service members.
“I believe in engaging and involving everyone in the command,” said Williams. “I also believe in listening to the ideas of others. Good ideas aren’t the sole property of leadership. Everyone can make a positive contribution.”
By leading from the front Williams says he plans on keeping LogCom on the forefront of today’s warfighting environment, adapting to the ever evolving needs of Marines on the battlefield.
“I don’t see any major changes that need to be made right now, but I think changes will develop over time as we assess how we can best meet the needs of our warfighters,” Williams said. I’m looking forward to working with everyone to develop logistics solutions that meet
warfighters’ needs. If we all work together we can make that happen.”