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Sergeant Major Mark Arvizu, the Sgt. Maj. of 11th Marine Regiment, passes the regimental colors to Col. Stephen Liszewski, the former commanding officer of 11th Marines, during the regimental change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22, 2014. Liszewski was also awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Silvano/released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. David Silvano

11th Marines welcomes new commanding officer

23 Jul 2014 | Lance Cpl. David Silvano 1st Marine Division

Colonel Christopher A. Tavuchis, assumed command of 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force from Col. Stephen Liszewski during a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22, 2014.

The regiment, activated in 1927, serves as the primary source of fire support for the 1st Marine Division by supporting frontline infantry units with direct and indirect artillery fire support.

In attendance of the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Carl E. Mundy, III, deputy commanding general, I MEF.

During the ceremony, Liszewski received the Legion of Merit Medal for his conduct and excellence during his time as commanding officer of 11th Marines.

Mundy spoke to the audience citing the accomplishments of Liszewski as well and his confidence in the abilities of Tavuchis.

“In the two years [Liszewski] has been here, he has amassed a great list of accomplishments,” Mundy said. “Everything that I’ve heard about Steve Liszewski from seniors, peers and subordinates has been uniformly positive.”

Liszewski expressed his gratitude to many of his peers, Marines under his command, and his family for his success in the regiment. He also expressed his confidence and well-wishes to Tavuchis in his newly appointed position.

“The success of this regiment really comes down to the outstanding leadership we’ve had on every level,” said Liszewski. “From the battalion commanders to the platoon commanders and the senior enlisted, the leadership in this regiment has been phenomenal.”

Liszewski also thanked all the Marines in the regiment for their hard work and sacrifice.

“Words can’t express my gratitude for the sacrifices the Marines and their families make,” said Liszewski.

Tavuchis expressed his enthusiasm to serve in his new position as the regimental commanding officer. 

“This regiment has been described as a national treasure,” said Tavuchis. “And with that in mind, I assume command and promise to lead the Marines and continue to build on the things Col. Liszewski has been building on for the past two years.”
1st Marine Division