Press Releases

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The 1st Marine Division will host a change of command ceremony at 10:00 a.m. July 6, 2018, at the division headquarters, as Maj. Gen. Eric M. Smith, commanding general for 1st Marine Division, relinquishes command to Maj. Gen. Robert F. Castellvi.

Castellvi is set to assume command of the 1st Marine Division following his tenure as Director, Manpower Management Division at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

Smith will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, and assume responsibilities as commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Japan.

The ceremony will include musical accompaniment by the 1st Marine Division band, a color guard detachment, and remarks by both general officers. The ceremony is rife with tradition, paying deference to the Marines of the storied 1st Marine Division, both past and present.

Photo, video package, and video B-Roll imagery from the event will be released by the 1st Marine Division Press Office and made available for media use. This imagery can be found on the 1st Marine Division page at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/1MD.

For additional queries, please contact the 1st Marine Division press officer Capt. Paul Gainey at (760) 725-9915 or email paul.gainey@usmc.mil.

-USMC-