MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marine Corps Combat Service Support School and Camp Johnson welcomed a new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony behind the Camp Johnson Bachelor Officer’s Quarters, July 15.
Now, the reins are being handed over to Col. Terri Erdag, who was a student at MCCSSS as a ground supply officer.
Many prominent guests attended the change of command including former commanding officers as well as the Montford Point Marines, who brought along some original Montford Pointers.
Participating in the ceremony were staff members, students and instructors from the Marine Corps Combat Service Support School.
The outgoing commanding officer, Col. Richard Fullerton, had some words to say to the Marines he has led for two years.
“I’d like to thank God for giving me the privilege to lead some of the most outstanding Marines, sailors and civilians,” said Fullerton. “I would also like to thank my wife for always being there for me.”
As commanding officer, Fullerton was in charge of MCCSSS as well as area commander for Camp Johnson, a tenant command of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Camp Johnson, formally named Montford Point, used to serve as a recruit training site for African-American Marines during World War II. In 1974, Montford Point was renamed to Camp Johnson in honor of Sgt. Maj. Gilbert (Hashmark) Johnson, who was one of the first of three African-American men to enter into the Marine Corps, and was the first African-American to hold the rank of sergeant major.
Now, Camp Johnson serves as the training site for more than 7,000 U.S. and international students in administrative and service support jobs.
The Marines I am inheriting are the salt of the earth, without you, nothing moves, Erdag stated that Marines she was inheriting are the salt of the earth and that without them, nothing would move. She also promised 100% commitment, from the schoolhouse to the warehouse.
Erdag was commissioned as a second lieutenant, going through the enlisted commissioning program. Prior to being commissioned, she held the rank of sergeant as an aviation mechanic.
Erdag’s duty stations include 1st and 3rd Marine Logistics Groups, 2nd and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings and 3rd Marine Division. During these tours, she has deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operation Pacific Haven. Since 9/11, Erdag has deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.