The U.S. Marine Corps' newest base in the Indo-Pacific marked a change in leadership Thursday, as Col. Ernest Govea relinquished command of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz to Col. Richard D. Marshall Jr.
The ceremony, held on the base in Dededo, was attended by military leaders, local officials, diplomats, and community members. Among those present were the governors of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, senators from the Guam Legislature, mayors, Gold Star families, veterans, and representatives from regional consulates and military commands.
Govea, who took command in July 2023, was credited with helping transform Camp Blaz from a developing installation to a fully functioning command. During his tenure, the base advanced its infrastructure projects and deepened community engagement as part of the broader U.S. defense strategy in the Pacific.
“Establishing Camp Blaz was more than just standing up a base-it was about laying a solid foundation for the future of our force in the Indo-Pacific,” said Col. Ernest Govea. “Every milestone we reached was a testament to the dedication of our Marines, Sailors, and civilian counterparts, and watching Camp Blaz grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”
Govea, a Marine for over three decades, previously led humanitarian and logistics operations for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and held planning roles across Marine Forces in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
His successor, Col. Richard Marshall, brings operational and command experience throughout the Pacific theater. In his remarks, Marshall stated that he intends to build on Govea's efforts and ensure the base remains a vital part of the regional defense strategy.
“Col. Govea set an exceptional standard, leading with vision and dedication to establish Camp Blaz as a strategically vital and operationally ready installation,” said Col. Richard Marshall. “It is an absolute honor to take command of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz at such a pivotal time. This unit represents the forward presence of the Marine Corps in the Indo-Pacific.”
Camp Blaz, which was administratively activated in 2020, serves as a forward-deployed Marine Corps presence in Guam, part of the broader realignment of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region.
