MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- – Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Gorry, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations-East relinquished his position to Brig. Gen. Robert. F. Castellvi in front of family and friends at Marston Pavilion aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, July 12.
Among the attendees, fellow Marines shared their thoughts on Gorry.
“Thousands of Marines and civilians on base are going to remember and miss him for the good he’s done,” said Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala, commander of Marine Corps Installations Command. “With responsibilities commanding in five different states, he worked to create growth on Lejeune with a diminishing economy.”
Gorry, who has been the commanding general for MCIEAST since July 22, 2011, came into his position after serving as the director for Command and Staff College, Marine Corps University aboard MCB Quantico. Gorry also spent four years at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island as a Series Commander, Company Commander, and Battalion S-4 Officer. Gorry holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina.
“Thank you for allowing me to be here and supporting my efforts,” said Gorry. “A great relationship between the base and town can’t happen overnight, but the Marines, their families, and local government have done everything they can to help me. I’m looking forward to continuing on in the Fleet Marine Force and see great things come from Camp Lejeune.”
Castellvi, who comes into the position as commander of MCIEAST, holds a degree in finance from the University of Illinois, with a Marine Corps career that began in 1984 as an infantry officer with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. Castellvi comes to MCB Camp Lejeune from 1st Marine Expeditionary Force where he served as the Chief of Staff.
“I’m anxious to get out and meet each and every one of you,” said Castellvi. “I’m proud to be a part of this all. I pinched myself this morning to make sure none of this is a dream. I want to continue the legacy that continues on Lejeune. I will dedicate every day to support the Marines and sailors on Camp Lejeune. This is your Marine Corps. The Corps belongs to the people, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”