U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa received a new commander September 10, 2009. Brigadier General Paul W. Brier assumed command of the two units from Major General (Sel) Tracy L. Garrett during a brief change of command ceremony at the 6th Army Support Group Parade Field in Stuttgart, Germany.

"In my civilian and military experience, I've learned the value of partnership," said Brier. "Teamwork has always been a tradition in the Marine Corps. We can't do anything without our partners; I look forward to working together with these great Marines and Sailors, and I look forward to a great tour together."

A native of Fort Ord, California, Brier received his commission in the Marine Corps in 1981. In 2003, he was assigned to the Pentagon as Marine Corps Service Planner and Deputy Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations. His subsequent assignments include command of the 6th Civil Affairs Group in Iraq; chief of staff (IMA), II Marine Expeditionary Force; chief of staff, 2nd Marine Division; and U.S. Marine Corps liaison to the Territory of Guam.

General William Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, praised the work of the outgoing MARFOREUR and MARFORAF commander during a speech.

"During [Garrett's] action packed tour, she has amassed an arm's length worth of achievements," Ward said. "I am particularly proud of her leadership of the Marine component of my command."

Ward highlighted the major accomplishments of Garrett's command, including the planning and coordination of the Georgia Deployment Program, the Azerbaijan Non-Commissioned Officer Development Program, and various other activities and engagements in the Mediterranean and Africa that helped build capacity among partner nations. .

Garrett, who will be assuming duties as Commanding General, 4th Marine Logistics Group in New Orleans, remarked on her tour.

"I depart Europe and Africa changed in my thinking, and indelibly marked by my experiences here," Garrett said to the gathered Marines and guests. "Your contributions to peace are far reaching. Thank you, and Semper Fi."

The two units, MARFOREUR and MARFORAF, are responsible for coordinating Marine Corps related exercises, operations and humanitarian assistance projects in support of the U.S. European Command, and U.S. Africa Command. Activities include various mobile training teams, humanitarian aid and military-to-military training events throughout Europe and Africa.