HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Col. Christopher L. Bopp relinquished command of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz to Col. Ernest Govea on Monday during a change-of-command ceremony at the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing hangar on Andersen Air Force Base, Camp Blaz stated in a news release.
Bopp, a career infantry officer, took command of Camp Blaz in May 2021. During his time as commanding officer, he was responsible for setting the conditions for the realignment of forces from Japan to Camp Blaz. In his tenure on Guam, Camp Blaz was reactivated, marking the first newly constructed Marine Corps Base since 1952, Camp Blaz said in the release.
During the ceremony, Bopp was awarded a Legion of Merit for his superior leadership, ability to enhance local and regional partnerships and astuteness in refining quality control processes for Camp Blaz construction efforts, the release stated.
Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Liszewski, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, was the reviewing officer for the ceremony and provided opening remarks.
“Gov. (Lou) Leon Guerrero, we heard you loud and clear during the reactivation ceremony. … You charged the commandant to ensure that the relationship between the Marine Corps and Guam was built on respect,” said Liszewski. “The entire approach Chris took during his tenure here was built on a foundation of respect, … taking care of people, respecting history, respecting culture, respecting the environment and respecting the water.”
Leon Guerrero presented Bopp with a Maga’håga Award. Gov. Arnold Palacios of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Tinian Mayor’s Council on behalf of Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan, the 37th Guam Legislature and the Mayors’ Council of Guam also gave remarks and presented Bopp with plaques of appreciation.
“I’ve done everything I can to take care of this community,” said Bopp. “We’re protecting the people who are the heart and soul of this island. This has been a fantastic tour, and my wife and I have loved to be here.”
At the end of his remarks, Govea turned to the formation and addressed the Camp Blaz Marines.
“As we continue to serve in the western Pacific theater, I personally will be a Marine of action, committed to taking care of you and your families,” he said.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, left, presents an award to U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher L. Bopp, outgoing commanding officer for Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, during a change-of-command ceremony Monday, July 10, 2023, at Andersen Air Force Base.
