MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Lt. Gen. Keith J. Stalder assumed command of II Marine Expeditionary Force today from Lt. Gen. James F. Amos during a change of command ceremony this morning.

“It’s a tremendous honor when you think of all the great Marines who have commanded II MEF in the past ... they are all absolute legends in the Marine Corps, and when I think of myself following in their footsteps, and answering up to the call of duty that they did so well, particularly in time of combat, I am honored and humbled ... ”

Stalder, who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general at a small ceremony held before the change of command, recently relinquished command of Training and Education Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

Amos has commanded II MEF since July 2004 and will be reappointed to the rank of lieutenant general and assigned as commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, MCB Quantico, Va.

“I'm being replaced by a true warfighting general and absolutely wonderful human being,” said Amos of Stalder. “Keith is a tremendous leader and all-around NFL-quality Marine; buckle your seatbelts II MEF, you're in for a great ride ... the Marines, sailors, civilian Marines and all of our families are gonna love this guy.”