A historic and prayerful day

Sea Power, Aug 1999 by Brill, Arthur P Jr

The United States has had 42 commanders-in-chief, 62 secretaries of state, and 79 attorneys general-but Marines enjoy pointing out that only 32 mortals have led their beloved Corps since 1775. When the Corps' leadership changes hands it is therefore a momentous occasion-and 30 June 1999 was no exception. Gen. James L. Jones became the latest commandant of the Marine Corps in a colorful and moving twohour change-of-command ceremony at the historic Marine Barracks at 8th and I Streets in Washington, D.C.

"Today is the day of the Marine Corps," said Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig, one of five speakers who stressed the many accomplishments of the Corps, its continuity, its "sacred vision" to combat success in the future, and the strong bond that Marines have for each other and their families.

If a person wanted to know what the Marine Corps is all about and did not have the opportunity to observe Marines perform in combat, or to watch recruits undergo the rigors of "the Crucible" and graduate from Marine boot camp, the next best thing is to be one of the 3,500 spectators wher the Corps changes commandants. The event, a time-hallowed Washington tradition that takes place every four years at the end of June, features eloquent speakers, stirring military music, 19-gun salutes, and a full-dress parade on the manicured green parade field of the "oldest post of the Corps," where Marines have served since 1801. It concluded with the 31 st commandant and his lady (Gen. Charles C. and Zandra "Zandi" Krulak) walking the grounds hand-in-hand to the strains of "Auld Lang Syne," waving, and disappearing from view. And from active duty.

The parade deck, surrounded on three sides by faded red brick barracks buildings, is dominated on the north by the famous "house of the commandants" where 30 of the Corps' 32 leaders have lived-all seven living commandants attended the 30 June change of command. A national landmark, the commandant's house is a white brick structure several stories high with a grey roof and lovely gardens. For almost two centuries Marine families have stood at the house's 23 white-curtained rectangular windows to watch Marines march across the parade field facing the house. Because that tradition continues to this day, the house reflects the continuity of the Corps and provides a human touch that is worthy of the emphasis put on the importance of the military family today.

"There are heroes on the battlefield and there are heroes on the home front. Family readiness equals combat readiness. It is not possible to be ready without it," said Jones-who, along with the other speakers, praised Zandi Krulak for her tireless efforts over the past 35 years as a Marine wife in generating programs to help Marine families.

"I've loved her more every day," said Krulak, who also thanked the 42 members of Congress in attendance for "taking care of my Marines." He urged them to continue, because their job is getting harder. "It is good that the nation takes our winning battles for granted. We will put on our helmets and flak jackets, march to the sounds of the guns, fight, win, and we'll guarantee it. That is our warrior ethos."

Krulak and Jones both come from well-known Marine families and were raised in the Corps. Jones earned a Silver Star in Vietnam and his expertise ranges from several tours as a field Marine to high-visibility posts that gave him the opportunity to understand the ways of Washington. Danzig praised the new commandant's varied background, mentioning both his fluency in French and his degree in international diplomacy from Georgetown University.

"From his heroism in Vietnam, to his leadership in Northern Iraq and Bosnia, to his service throughout his tenure as my senior military assistant, Jim Jones has served this nation with devotion and distinction," said Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen. "In this great leader, the Corps will find a commandant committed to `making Marines' and `winning battles."'

Danzig also predicted that Jones will be a "fabulous" commandant. Capt. Joseph Lamonde, USN, chaplain of the Marine Corps, reminded those present that four years is a long time and in his invocation said, "May the pomp and pageantry of this ceremony be drowned out by Your still and abiding voice proclaiming to the Krulaks: `Well done, good and faithful servants"'-and, addressing Gen. Jones and his wife Diane reminded them that "`to whom much is given, much is expected."'