II Marine Expeditionary Force welcomes new commander at Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune, NC (WWAY) — The II Marine Expeditionary Force has a new commander following a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune.

Lt. Gen. Calvert L. Worth Jr. relinquished command of II MEF to Lt. Gen. Robert C. Fulford during the ceremony Tuesday.

Gen. Bradford J. Gering, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, presided over the ceremony.

Worth had led II MEF since August 2024. During his tenure, Marines and sailors assigned to the force participated in deployments, exercises and operations across multiple geographic combatant commands.

“II Marine Expeditionary Force has Marines deployed in every combatant command,” Worth said. “The Marines and Sailors of today are as good as they’ve ever been. They are driven by purpose and eager for the mission.”

According to the Marine Corps, II MEF forces have supported operations and exercises in areas overseen by U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Southern Command. Its missions have also included embassy reinforcement, maritime interdiction and disaster relief operations.

Worth will next serve as commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, commanding general of Fleet Marine Force Atlantic and commander of Marine Corps Forces North.

Fulford most recently served as deputy commander of U.S. European Command. He said during Tuesday’s ceremony that II MEF would continue preparing to respond to missions on short notice.

“To the Marines and Sailors of the MAGTF, it is my highest honor to join you … and be ready to answer our nation’s call at a moment’s notice,” Fulford said.

II MEF is headquartered at Camp Lejeune and serves as one of the Marine Corps’ major expeditionary forces.