Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz Change of Command Ceremony: Col. Ernest Govea relinquishes command to Col. Richard D. Marshall Jr. – DVIDS

Report on Leadership Transition at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Executive Summary
A change of command ceremony was held at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, Guam, where Col. Ernest Govea relinquished command to Col. Richard Marshall. This transition highlights the base’s ongoing commitment to its strategic mission and its alignment with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Outgoing Command: Col. Ernest Govea’s Contributions to Sustainable Development
Col. Ernest Govea’s tenure, which began in July 2023, was marked by significant progress in establishing MCB Camp Blaz as a fully operational and integrated installation. His leadership directly supported the advancement of multiple SDGs:
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Col. Govea was instrumental in overseeing critical infrastructure growth and advancing construction initiatives, transforming the base into a modern, resilient, and strategically vital installation.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: By establishing Camp Blaz as a fully functioning command, his leadership reinforced the stability and strength of the institution. The base’s role in the Indo-Pacific directly contributes to regional peace and security, a core target of SDG 16.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: His command emphasized the welfare and morale of Marines, reflecting a commitment to the health and well-being of personnel.
- SDG 4: Quality Education: Col. Govea’s own career path, commissioning through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP), exemplifies the institution’s commitment to providing lifelong learning and educational opportunities for its members.
In his remarks, Col. Govea stated, “Establishing Camp Blaz was more than just standing up a base-it was about laying a solid foundation for the future of our force in the Indo-Pacific.”
Incoming Command: Col. Richard Marshall’s Strategic Vision
Col. Richard Marshall assumes command with extensive operational experience in the Pacific theater. His stated priorities reinforce the base’s commitment to sustainable partnerships and community integration.
- Continuing the Mission: Col. Marshall affirmed his dedication to maintaining the base’s operational readiness and strategic presence, contributing to the stability targeted by SDG 16.
- Strengthening Community Ties: He emphasized a commitment to enhancing relationships with the local community, directly aligning with SDG 11 by fostering inclusive, safe, and resilient community partnerships.
“It is an absolute honor to take command of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz at such a pivotal time,” said Col. Marshall. “This unit represents the forward presence of the Marine Corps in the Indo-Pacific.”
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: A Model for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
The ceremony’s attendance underscored the base’s deep and collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, serving as a powerful example of SDG 17 in action. The presence of diverse partners is critical for achieving sustainable development objectives. Notable attendees included:
- Government Partners: The Governors of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, senators from the 38th Legislature, and village mayors and vice-mayors.
- International and Regional Partners: Members of the Consular Corps from the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Korea, Republic of Palau, Japan, and the Philippines.
- Military and Security Partners: Commander Joint Task Force-Micronesia, Commander, Joint Region Marianas, and The Adjutant General, Guam National Guard.
- Civil Society and Economic Partners: Representatives from the Guam and Saipan Chambers of Commerce, the Navy League of Guam, and the Guam USO.
This broad coalition demonstrates a shared commitment to regional security, economic prosperity, and community well-being, which are the cornerstones of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- The article highlights significant infrastructure development at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. Phrases such as “infrastructure growth,” “advancing construction initiatives,” and transforming the base into a “fully functioning command” directly connect to the goal of building resilient infrastructure. The establishment of the base is described as “laying a solid foundation for the future,” which aligns with the core principles of SDG 9.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- The article emphasizes the relationship between the military base and the surrounding area. The mention of “ongoing integration with the local community” and the new commander’s commitment to “strengthening relationships with the local community” points to efforts to ensure the base, as a significant settlement, coexists harmoniously and positively with local communities in Guam. The attendance of village mayors and other local officials underscores this connection.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- This goal is central to the article’s theme. The base is described as a “strategically vital and operationally ready installation” fulfilling a “strategic role within the Indo-Pacific.” This establishes the base as a strong institution aimed at maintaining peace and security in the region. Col. Govea’s past experience in “humanitarian and logistical operations” and “counter-piracy missions” further reinforces the connection to promoting peace and justice.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- The change of command ceremony itself serves as a clear example of multi-stakeholder partnerships. The article details an extensive list of attendees, including “local officials,” “members of the community,” “Governors of Guam and North Mariana Islands,” “senators,” “village mayors,” “representatives from Congressman Moylan’s office,” “members of the Consular Corps” from multiple nations, and representatives from civil society organizations like the “Guam and Saipan Chamber of Commerce” and “Guam USO.” This diverse gathering demonstrates a robust partnership between military, government, international, and civil society actors.
Identified SDG Targets
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Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.
- The article’s focus on “infrastructure growth” and “advancing construction initiatives” at Camp Blaz directly relates to this target. The base’s development is a major infrastructure project designed to be resilient and support its strategic mission, which contributes to regional stability and, by extension, human well-being.
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Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
- The stated commitment to “ongoing integration with the local community” and “strengthening relationships” reflects an effort to manage the links between the military installation (a significant settlement) and the local communities of Guam. The presence of local planners and leaders (mayors, governors) at the event supports the idea of collaborative regional planning.
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Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions… for building capacity… to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.
- Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz is presented as a key institution being strengthened to enhance security in the Indo-Pacific. Its role as a “strategically vital and operationally ready installation” and the “forward presence of the Marine Corps” directly contributes to institutional capacity for regional security and stability.
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Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…
- The ceremony described in the article is a manifestation of this target. It brought together public entities (local and international governments, military), and civil society partners (“Guam and Saipan Chamber of Commerce,” “Navy League of Guam,” “Guam USO”) to mark a key leadership transition, showcasing an active and effective partnership network.
Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress
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Progress on construction projects and operational readiness
- The article implies this indicator through phrases like “advancing construction initiatives,” “every milestone we reached,” and the base becoming a “fully functioning command” and “operationally ready installation.” Progress can be measured by the completion of infrastructure projects and the base’s certified readiness levels.
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Level of community and multi-stakeholder engagement
- The extensive and diverse guest list is a direct indicator of engagement. The commitment to “strengthening relationships with the local community” suggests that the quality and frequency of interactions with local officials, community members, and international partners are key metrics for success.
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Strength of institutional partnerships for regional security
- The presence of commanders from “Joint Task Force-Micronesia” and “Joint Region Marianas,” along with the “Adjutant General, Guam National Guard” and the “Consular Corps” from regional nations, implies that a key indicator of the base’s success is the strength of its collaborative relationships with other security and diplomatic institutions in the Indo-Pacific.
Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. | Progress on construction projects and achievement of milestones (“advancing construction initiatives,” “every milestone we reached”). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas. | Level of community engagement and quality of relationships with local officials (“ongoing integration with the local community,” “strengthening relationships”). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions… to prevent violence. | Operational readiness of the base (“operationally ready installation”) and its strategic positioning (“forward presence of the Marine Corps”). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. | Number and diversity of stakeholders engaged with the base (evidenced by the extensive and varied guest list at the ceremony). |
Source: dvidshub.net