May 28, 2015 -- Command of Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany has been officially relinquished during a ceremony on Schmid Field. Outgoing commanding officer, Col. Don Davis, released his authority to Lt. Col. James C. Carroll III in front of spectators, May 28.
Carroll is the eighth commanding officer of MCLB Albany and brings with him almost 30 years of military experience. During his service, he has fine-tuned his abilities as a commanding officer.
Carroll assumed command of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-16 on Oct. 30, 2009, and deployed with the squadron to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from March 2010 to February 2011. In 2011, MALS-16 was selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps as the recipient of the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Donald E. Davis Award for MALS of the Year.
Carroll’s last tour was in Quantico, Virginia, where he served as the leadership development branch head, Lejeune Leadership Instititute, Marine Corps University.
“I am ready to roll up my sleeves and join in the effort to continue to win and run the race strong,” Carroll said.
He said he wants to continue and increase the positive momentum the base has aboard the installation and in the community.
“As your new commander, our loss is your gain,” Constance Yelverton, supervisory education program specialist, Lejeune Leadership Institute, Quantico, Virginia, said. “I observed him as an established genuine leader (who) led by example, exceeded expectations and was results driven.”
Davis is departing the base leaving behind countless commendable accomplishments.
Some of his many notable accolades include the base obtaining an Energy and Water Management award; being named as one of only two Marine Corps Installations designated as a Voluntary Protection Star Site by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration; and a Veterans Administration community base outpatient clinic aboard the base.
Davis revealed he is proud that these accomplishments fostered a strong bond with the community in some way. He advised he is leaving the charge with Carroll to continue to build on that strong relationship between the base and the community.
“He’s at full sprint and ready (to lead),” Davis said.
Carroll’s personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award.