;MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT/EASTERN RECRUITING REGION PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- -- General James L. Jones, the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps, visited the Depot Monday to speak with Marines and the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce on what will likely be his last visit to the Tri-Command as Commandant.
The focus of the Commandant's visit was to address the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce on issues ranging from the war on terrorism to base realignment and closure. With the Department of Defense announcing it has 25 percent more "infrastructure" than it needs, Congress passed legislation to authorize another round of base closings to take effect in 2005. The Tri-Command is in little danger of making the closure list, according to Gen. Jones.
"I don't think you'll see the Marine Corps or the Navy having much to offer in the next [round of closures]," he said.
According to the Commandant, MCAS Beaufort is essential to the U.S. carrier-based fleet operating forces. He also noted that while critics question the necessity of two basic training locations, tradition is as important as necessity.
"Without a question, Parris Island is legendary with what it has done and what it will do," he said. "Parris Island and San Diego are both too small to individually handle basic training. These are installations that not only cause us a great deal of pride, but also offer a great deal to what we do as a Marine Corps."
The news that both Marine bases in the Tri-Command are likely to remain active is a relief to the business owners in the Lowcountry. The two Marine bases and the Naval Hospital provide a $282.2 million dollar payroll. Behind tourism, the military is the second largest part of the local economy.
The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Alford L. McMichael, spoke to the Depot Marines about issues that more directly affect the Corps, including the housing renovation project and Operation Enduring Freedom.
"If you have a fondness for your old house up at Tarawa Terrace on [Marine Base] Camp Lejeune, you better go snap a photo of it, because it's going away," said Gen. Jones. "We feel the improvement in housing will go a long way in improving quality of life for the Corps' most important commodity - the Marine's family."
General Jones also remarked on the outstanding job done by all Marines who supported of Operation Enduring Freedom. The job done by forward deployed Marines increased the wartime stock of the Fleet Marine Force, according to the Commandant.
"The two Marine Expeditionary Units under a brigade commander did a great job in Afghanistan," he said. "It convinced everybody that the Marines have been a little underutilized and maybe a bit unappreciated."
After the Commandant's speech to the Chamber of Commerce, he took time out to visit with a few of the Marines who attended the gathering at the Lyceum.
"Being at Parris Island energizes me," he said. "It's truly a great thing that goes on here."
Parris Island was one of the first places Gen. Jones visited after assuming command of the Marine Corps. As he visited for what will most likely the last time as Commandant, he reflected on the Marine Corps' commitment to excellence that he will take with him to his new position.
Having been selected by President George W. Bush to be the Commander in Chief of European Command and Supreme Allied Commander of Europe and NATO forces, Gen. Jones will continue service to the country after his time as the Marine senior officer. General Jones' decision is an unusual one, as most service chiefs retire after their tour. The decision to continue service to his country was one that was easily made, according to the Commandant.
"I guess I'm conditioned to when somebody asks me to do something for my country I say 'yes,'" he said.
The return to Europe will be a homecoming of sorts for the man who has headed the Corps since his appointment in 1999. General Jones was raised and schooled in France before coming to the United States to continue his education.
"No Marine has ever held this job before," he said. " It will be nice to return to Europe one last time before the Marine Corps kicks me out."