Marine Corps Logistics Base ALBANY Ga. -- Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany welcomed its new commanding officer Friday in a change of command ceremony held at Schmid Field in front of Building 3500 here.
Col. (select) Donald J. Davis assumed command as MCLB Albany’s commanding officer from Col. Terry V. Williams in front of family, friends, Civilian-Marines, fellow Marines, and local and state dignitaries. Williams has been in command of MCLB Albany since June 26, 2009.
During the ceremony, Williams transferred the unit colors to Davis symbolizing the relinquishing of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command. Davis’ acceptance of the colors confirms his total commitment to the Marines he now serves. “Terry, as you relinquish command and pass the organizational colors, you have every reason to take great pride in the many accomplishments of MCLB Albany,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Gorry, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East, Camp Lejeune, N.C., who officiated the ceremony. “During your tenure, your efforts to provide superior services to customers within the Marine Corps has led MCLB Albany in being the first in the Marine Corps to employ continuous process improvement organization-wide. CPI is fully integrated into the management structure and you were directly and continuously involved leading CPI.
“Additionally, you and your staff transformed a spartan and ad hoc conference room into a fully capable, state-of-the-art emergency operations center, capable of supporting the national emergency management system while ensuring continuity of operations during major disasters or crises,” he added.
Some of the most notable accomplishments under Williams’ leadership have been the $20 million Landfill-Gas-to-Energy Project, the first in the Department of the Navy; transition to electric vehicles and working with other organizations such as Albany State University to conduct applied research projects here.
For his accomplishments, Williams was awarded the Legion of Merit.
According to the citation, “Williams consistently exercised superior leadership, innovation and dedication as the command provided superb installation support services to more than 40 tenant units. He developed and executed an aggressive energy and water management program, revitalized the facility infrastructure, cultivated relationships with the surrounding community and significantly improved the quality of life of the Marines, Sailors, and their families.”
Williams’ wife, BJ, received a letter of appreciation for her support.
In his last speech to the large crowd gathered to honor him, Williams recognized his family, local dignitaries, tenant command representatives and base division directors. He expressed his gratitude and thanked the local community for its support and strong relationship with the Corps.
“Albany is the greatest community I have been in my 25 years,” he said. “I want to thank you all for a job well done in supporting your Marines.”
In closing, Williams addressed the Davis family.
“You are taking over a great organization,” he said. “This is one of the greatest tours I have ever had and I expect nothing less for you. I know you will do great things and the staff will support you one hundred percent. I wish you and your family all the best. God bless and Semper Fi.”
Gorry spoke of Davis’s ability to command.
“The Marine Corps has an arduous command screening process and you have demonstrated all the qualities it takes, the sense of accountability, responsibility and leadership, that it is going to take to replace Colonel Williams,” he said. “Without a doubt, I have full faith, trust and confidence in your ability to not only manage MCLB Albany but also to get involved in the community. The base has to be a good neighbor and rely on all the things you bring to the table to enable us to succeed in our mission.”
Davis comes to MCLB Albany with a distinguished Marine Corps career that began in 1990 as a ground supply officer with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
His previous assignment was the operations director, Marine Corps Logistics Command. Davis, who has been stationed here for nearly a year, thanked his family, Marines and community representatives for attending the ceremony and sharing this milestone.
“We call North Carolina our home and the hospitality is great, but Southwest Georgia and Albany has given a whole new meaning to hospitality,” he said. “You really do put meaning to the ‘Good Life City’ and I thank you for the welcome you have given to my family.”
With the conclusion of the evening’s ceremony, Williams prepared for his next assignment working for the deputy commandant of Installations and Logistics Division at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., while Davis took charge of leading Civilian-Marines, Marines, Sailors and their families.