STUTTGART, Germany -- Marine Corps Forces Europe received a new commander today during a brief change of command ceremony at Panzer Kaserne, here, at the 6th Army Support Group Parade Field.
Brigadier Gen. Tracy L. Garrett assumed command of Marine Corps Forces, Europe from outgoing Maj. Gen. Cornell A. Wilson, Jr. who will be assuming duties as deputy commander, Marine Corps Forces Command at Norfolk, Va.
A native of Seattle, Brig. Gen. Garrett received her commission in the Marine Corps in 1978. In July 2004, Brig. Gen. Garrett was activated from the Marine Corps Reserves and assigned as the chief of staff, 1st Force Service Support Group (Forward) where she served in Iraq from September 2004 to March 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was released from active duty in May 2005 and assumed duties as the deputy commander, 4th Marine Logistic Group (MLG). In January 2007, she assumed the duties as acting commanding general, 4th MLG.
Brigadier General Garrett took command of the Marines in Europe and Africa, who are responsible for coordinating Marine Corps related exercises, operations and humanitarian assistance projects in support of the U.S. European Command. Activities include various mobile training teams and military-to-military training events throughout Europe and Africa.
“It’s humbling to have been given the responsibility to be your leader,” said Brig. Gen. Garrett. “I see it as a team effort and I’m proud to be a part of your team and the leader of your team.”
As Maj. Gen. Wilson prepared for his departure, he commended the two formations of Marines on the progress the command has made in the past 14 months of his command.
“You have been magnificent,” said Maj. Gen. Wilson. “You have exceeded my expectations, you’ve done more than I’ve asked, and I’m pleased with your performance in supporting the combatant commander in this theater—both in Europe and Africa.”
He also had a personal message to Brig. Gen. Garrett. “You’ve taken over a great command and I’m proud that you’ve taken it over. I’ve known you for a long time now and I know that you’ll do a great job.”
Brig. Gen. Garrett has a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. and recently completed a tour at Headquarters Marine Corps as the Inspector General of the Marine Corps. She is a graduate of the Reserve Amphibious Warfare Course, Command and Staff Course, Reserve Intelligence Course and the Advance Logistics Course.