The Marines at Camp Fuji, Japan, are to officially welcome their new permanent commander Friday.

Col. Kenneth X. Lissner is to assume leadership in a change-of-command ceremony set for 11 a.m.

Lt. Col. Geoffrey D. Thome has served as interim commander since Col. J.J. Tabak departed on June 2.

Lissner, set to lead a base for the first time in his career, previously held the job of future operations officer for the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force on Okinawa. For the past four months, he was assigned to the commandant of the Marine Corps’ advisory group.

According to his biography, Lissner has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi.

His personal military awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.

Thome is expected to rejoin the 12th Marine Regiment at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, as its logistics officer following his temporary-duty assignment at Camp Fuji.