MANAMA, Bahrain — Marine Brig. Gen. Carl Mundy III has assumed command of Marine Corps Forces Central Command Forward and Commander, Task Force 51, which oversees the amphibious forces operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

The change of command Sunday occurred at a critical time, when U.S. Marine units in the region are involved in operations against the Islamic State in Iraq. In recent weeks, air assets from the Bataan amphibious ready group deployed in the Persian Gulf have conducted dozens of surveillance and reconnaissance missions over Iraq, using AV-8B Harrier aircraft.

Mundy, who has been nominated for the rank of major general, replaced Marine Brig. Gen. Gregg Olson, who is expected to take a position in Washington as the inspector general of the Marine Corps.

“Today’s ceremony is special because it exemplifies a very alive and fully integrated Navy and Marine Corps team within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, which is due in no small part to General Olson’s leadership,” Vice Adm. John Miller, commander of U.S. 5th Feet, said at the change-of-command ceremony.

Olson, speaking before turning over the reins to Mundy, said: “The past 13 months have been quite an adventure, as we worked together to provide command and control for the crisis response forces of 5th Fleet.”

Mundy is no stranger to the Middle East or to amphibious force operations. He’s deployed twice to Iraq, first as a battalion commander and later as a Marine Expeditionary Unit commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to his biography.

Mundy said in his remarks at the ceremony that he considers himself a “naval officer” and a “soldier of the sea.” He requested this assignment, he said, because he thinks he will be a good fit. “Over the past decade this region has always been and is returning to its naval character.”

simoes.hendrick@stripes.com Twitter: @hendricksimoes

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