II MEF performs large-scale 'function check' [Archive] - Marine Corps

thedrifter

12-30-03, 06:47 AM

Marine Forces Pacific general visits base
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification Number: 2003121923241
Story by Cpl. Jose L. Garcia

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Corps' senior Marine for the entire Pacific region toured Camp Pendleton last week to tell Marines here they're a force second to none and that soon their talent will be called upon again.

Lt. Gen. Wallace C. Gregson, commander of U.S. Marine Forces Pacific, visited Marines across the region in his first tour since taking the post in August.

"I'm coming to Camp Pendleton, Miramar, Yuma, and Twentynine Palms this week as part of my first official visit in my new job to see the Marines here in these four bases," Gregson said.

He said he wanted to thank the Marines and their families for what they've accomplished during Operation Iraqi Freedom and to talk about future deployments in the next phase of OIF.

"I got to tell you, I have nothing but the highest admiration for the mission orientation, dedication and the attitude of the Marines and their families who somehow seem to understand the seriousness of the situation facing the nation," Gregson said, "and are willing to come back from deployment, spend a few months at home and turn right back around and go back on another deployment again.

"It really is extraordinary," the general said.

In OIF, the Marines fought their way from near the Kuwait-Iraq border all the way to Baghdad and Tikrit and were deeply involved in stabilizing southern Iraq.

Still, Gregson recognized that many of those Marines who recently returned from deployments will depart again soon. Exact units are yet to be announced.

"We have various plans," Gregson said. "This has being one of the dynamic planning environments where plans seem to change nearly every 24 hours, so I can't give you a rock solid list of who's going at the moment."

He added that while major combat operations are over, the security and stability needed in Iraq to allow democracy to thrive will be a central part of the Marines' mission. He also stated there's a lot of work to be done with civil institutions and emphasized the importance of reopening schools.

"It's exceptionally important -- the restarting of business, re-modification to the economy, (getting) the agricultural sector started again and, most importantly, to work with the local Iraqi authorities to re-establish the security sector," Gregson said. "It's a matter of building those security and economic institutions of civil rights that allow things to go forth."

Gregson also addressed the Marines and sailors who missed out on past and present deployments.

"Need not worry, there will be more deployments and there will be plenty of ample opportunities for people to put additional awards under their sea service deployment ribbon," he said.

Gregson stressed the importance of mission accomplishment in Iraq. He said it will take a lot of work side by side with community members.

"The people whose lives are affected, by both the war and by our presence -- they have to see that by our presence, their welfare is getting a little bit better every day."

Gregson said he hopes Marines can facilitate the creation of marketplaces, work with villagers, reopen schools and find some way to get the normal trappings of life like sports, economics and agriculture going again.

He said the hallmark of the Marines' success would be if they weren't needed any longer in Iraq.

"If the police force comes forward and replaces Marines, soldiers, sailors or airman ... that's an indication of success," Gregson said.

Gregson also visited the Corporals Course in Del Mar to congratulate the staff and tell noncommissioned officers about the course's importance.

"Congratulations on becoming corporal. That's a big step," Gregson told the Marines. "Welcome to a leadership class and the fact that we will be putting a lot of demands on you."

He also asked the NCOs to take one giant step away from being non-rated and become somebody whom seniors depend on to take care of and direct other people.

He said that leadership will be relied upon in upcoming deployments.

"Strong NCO leadership -- that we will be relying upon down there where the rubber meets the road to make sure that the junior Marine, the folks that don't have the experience you have, do those things that are right," Gregson said. "This is a critical time. The nation needs the Marines."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/708F19DEA769189785256E0200163844?opendocument

Sempers,

Roger
:marine: