MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Maj. Gen. Jon A. Gallinetti will relinquish his command of Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Brig. Gen. Carl B. Jensen today at 3 p.m. during a change of command ceremony at the Airfield Operations Building.

Gallinetti is transferring to the Joint Warfighting Center, Norfolk, Va., for duty as the commander and director of joint training, U.S. Joint Forces Command.

During his time here Gallinetti saw many changes to the Air Station and the Marines under his charge. From the introduction of the new Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform to massive deployments to the Middle East to the Air Station being awarded the Installation Excellence Award, the Air Station was never quiet for too long throughout the past two years.

"With the war on terrorism, and as much as the Marine Corps and all services are involved, the Air Station here will remain an integral part of the supporting establishment as a aerial port of embarkation," said Gallinetti.

Gallinetti took command of MCABWA June 21, 2002, from Maj. Gen. William G. Bowdon. Three months later Miramar Marines coordinated with American Red Cross, San Diego County emergency response coordinators and military and public medical facilities for an overwhelmingly successful mass casualty drill. The following month, October, Miramar hosted more than 500,000 people during the largest air show held since Miramar was redesignated a Marine Corps Air Station. Four days later Air Station Marines were able to purchase the new Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform from the uniform store here for the first time.

After a quiet ending to 2002, operational tempo kicked into high gear during the first round of deployments to Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

More than 25,000 Marines and Sailors from the Air Station, as well as Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, deployed, with 10,000 of that force coming solely from Miramar. At the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Aerial Port of Embarkation, 24-hour operations were maintained to deploy 7,000 Marines. It was also during this time the Air Station served as the Integrated Continental United States Medical Operation Point for West Coast servicemembers injured during OIF.

Short-staffed commands on the Air Station continued to work to improve quality of life and a better working atmosphere here. The relationship with the surrounding communities continued to flourish, which helped make all OIF homecomings special moments for family members and Marines alike. Continuing that effort to improve quality of life, a new, state-of-the-art fitness facility, upgraded Exchange and flightline food courts and an improved enlisted club found their way to the Air Station.

On March 28, 2003, in effort to support the families of deployed servicemembers, Gallinetti launched Operation Enduring Families to help support family activities. A Crisis Family Assistance Center was opened and donations were collected for deployed troops as part of the Patriot Program. 2003 wasn't all about deploying Marines.

"Deployed Marines took a lot of stock in the fact that they knew things were being done for their families back here," said Gallinetti. "There were a number of support functions for families of deployed Marines to include the Food Locker, Marine Corps Community Services, Family Advocacy, Operation Enduring Families and locations to take advantage of what we had to offer and I think it helped out the families a lot."

The Miramar Youth Activities Program became the first officially accredited program of its kind in the Marine Corps. Miramar also hosted several special events, including a Super Bowl pregame show, which was attended by more than 1,000 people and aired on Fox Super Bowl Sunday. Many celebrity "greet the troops" events were held bringing television, movie and sports stars here to meet Marines and Sailors. The January 2003 issue of the Marine Corps Times recognized the Air Station as the top base for singles and recreational activities.

Numerous events were held inviting the local public to come aboard the Air Station to get a firsthand look at their Marines. Another air show was held, the Flying Leatherneck Museum held Open Cockpit Days and bimonthly tours were held.

Just as life seemed to be returning to normal, tragedy struck in October as fire swept through San Diego County, destroying everything in its path.

The Miramar Fire Department responded to more than 190 emergencies outside the Air Station as part of a mutual-aid agreement with San Diego County law enforcement and fire departments. The air station also suffered damage from the wildfire. More than 19,000 acres burned but approximately 200 emergency personnel worked to contain and control the fire.

Miramar was also rewarded for its success with awards. The Secretary of the Navy Achievement in Safety Ashore and the Department of the Navy Safety Excellence Awards were bestowed on Air Station Marines. The Installation Excellence Award was also given to the Air Station, March 29, 2004.

In January 2004 the Consolidated Issue Facility opened, and one month later Marines used their services for the next round of deployments, this time for Operation Iraqi Freedom II during which Gallinetti deployed to the Middle East. He returned April 13, 2004.

Heralded for excellence and safety and known to the local communities as heroes, Air Station Marines have experienced a fast-paced two years during Gallinetti's command.

"During my seven-month deployment to Iraq, the team of Marines we have from the chief of staff on down did a superb job of keeping the Air Station running," said Gallinetti.

He went on to explain that "Team Miramar" is the best group of Marines, Sailors and  civilians he has ever seen.

"'Team Miramar' has excelled in everything they have set out to do and I really believe that the quality of life continues to improve," he said. "We are helping set the standard for the entire Marine Corps."