WEBVTT 00:05.133 --> 00:12.743 - It is fitting that we gather here for this momentous passage of command, 00:12.743 --> 00:18.541 to witness the transfer of the Marine Corps' office of greatest trust, 00:18.541 --> 00:23.789 from General Joseph Dunford to General Robert Neller. 00:26.557 --> 00:28.816 (light band music) 01:02.185 --> 01:04.121 (Marine shouting commands) 01:33.018 --> 01:35.522 - [Announcer] From President of the United States 01:35.522 --> 01:38.664 to General Robert B. Neller, United States Marine Corps, 01:38.664 --> 01:41.295 subject: assumption of command. 01:41.295 --> 01:44.715 Effective 24 September 2015, 01:44.715 --> 01:46.739 you will stand detached from your present station and duties. 01:47.768 --> 01:51.087 You will proceed and report to Headquarters Marine Corps, the Pentagon, 01:51.087 --> 01:53.807 for duty as commandant of the United States Marine Corps. 01:54.207 --> 01:58.524 For the president, Ashton Carter, secretary of Defense. 02:26.213 --> 02:30.957 - Thank you for being here to honor General Joe Dunford's service 02:30.957 --> 02:32.758 as our 36th commandant, 02:32.758 --> 02:37.388 and welcome Bob Neller to his new post 02:37.388 --> 02:41.711 as 37th commandant, United States Marine Corps. 02:43.305 --> 02:45.713 - A day to honor the contributions of one commandant, 02:45.713 --> 02:47.816 whose service in uniform comes to an end. 02:47.816 --> 02:53.393 While welcoming a successor eager to carry the torch 02:53.393 --> 02:57.320 and lead the Corps into the future. 02:59.460 --> 03:04.061 Today, though, is unique and purely celebratory 03:05.056 --> 03:09.099 in that we won't be saying goodbye to General Dunford. 03:09.099 --> 03:13.336 Instead, he moves from the highest uniformed Marine Corps office 03:13.336 --> 03:15.933 to the nation's highest military post, 03:15.933 --> 03:19.127 as our next chairman of the Joint Chiefs. 03:19.127 --> 03:22.713 Fighting Joe, as he is affectionately known by Marines, 03:22.713 --> 03:26.580 not so affectionately by our adversaries, 03:26.580 --> 03:31.403 he takes with him an extraordinary record 03:31.403 --> 03:32.962 as a United States Marine. 03:32.962 --> 03:36.413 As I said at the beginning, 03:36.413 --> 03:40.492 we're fortunate today to celebrate the advancement of not just one 03:40.492 --> 03:43.778 but two Marine Corps generals. 03:43.778 --> 03:47.241 General Neller, you are assuming one of the most storied posts 03:47.945 --> 03:50.467 in this or any military. 03:51.854 --> 03:55.008 - And ladies and gentlemen, this morning, I consider myself 03:55.008 --> 03:58.203 the luckiest man on the face of the earth. 03:58.203 --> 04:02.975 Just look at this formation of Marines behind me. 04:02.975 --> 04:07.669 They represent the over 200,000 Marines in our total force. 04:07.669 --> 04:10.217 Who wouldn't consider themselves fortunate 04:10.217 --> 04:14.961 to stand in their ranks and claim the title of a United States Marine 04:14.961 --> 04:17.492 for even just one day? 04:17.492 --> 04:20.235 Let me tell you why else I feel fortunate here this morning. 04:20.235 --> 04:24.387 I feel fortunate because a few minutes ago, General Bob Neller 04:24.387 --> 04:26.910 became my commandant. 04:26.910 --> 04:30.586 And just like all of the other Marines and Sailors 04:30.586 --> 04:32.466 I now have the good fortune to have a leader 04:32.466 --> 04:34.865 who's passionate, he's compassionate, 04:34.865 --> 04:37.649 he's got extraordinarily operational credibility, 04:37.649 --> 04:41.125 but as importantly, in the position he has just assumed, 04:41.125 --> 04:45.261 he has the energy and vision to take us into the future. 04:45.261 --> 04:48.608 General Neller will absolutely take care of our Marines, 04:49.411 --> 04:50.829 our Sailors and their families. 04:50.829 --> 04:53.629 We couldn't be in better hands. 04:56.372 --> 04:58.045 - And I'm honored and humbled and proud to be here. 05:01.230 --> 05:03.406 So to General Joe Dunford and Ellyn and the family, 05:03.406 --> 05:08.189 thanks for a great turnover, thanks for your leadership, thanks for your friendship 05:08.189 --> 05:10.826 and we're very proud that you're going to be the 19th chairman 05:10.826 --> 05:12.581 of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 05:12.581 --> 05:15.786 And better yet, that you're still in our ranks. 05:15.786 --> 05:18.112 You're a Marine and our friend. 05:18.112 --> 05:19.483 Thank you very much. 05:22.365 --> 05:23.665 Secretary Carter, Secretary Mabus, 05:23.665 --> 05:28.947 I would ask that you and Senator Roberts take back to the president and the Congress 05:28.947 --> 05:30.771 that I understand my mission, 05:30.771 --> 05:34.535 I understand my task, I understand my responsibilities, 05:34.535 --> 05:38.819 and the example of that is the Marines that you see around here. 05:38.819 --> 05:42.380 The women and men that wear this uniform, exemplified by these Marines in formation 05:42.380 --> 05:44.488 and all around you. 05:44.488 --> 05:47.408 I understand what I have to do. 05:47.408 --> 05:52.478 It's a great honor and privilege to take this on. 05:52.833 --> 05:54.586 I'm humbled, I know I have your support. 05:55.394 --> 05:56.949 I appreciate your support. 05:59.851 --> 06:01.651 Now let's go do this. 06:04.102 --> 06:06.704 (light brass music) 06:15.573 --> 06:17.799 (instrumental "Marine's Hymn") 06:25.127 --> 06:27.454 - [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our ceremony. 06:27.780 --> 06:30.231 At this time we ask that you please remain in your seats 06:30.231 --> 06:32.394 for the departure of the official party.