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Outgoing Marine Corps Systems Command commander, Brig. Gen. Arthur J. Pasagian (left), shakes hands with incoming commander Brig. Gen. David C. Walsh following a Change of Command June 9 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Andrew Reynolds).

Photo by Andrew Reynolds

USMC Brigadier General Pasagian passes command to Brigadier General Walsh

10 Jun 2022 | Erica Terrini, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication Marine Corps Systems Command

On June 9, a large crowd gathered for a ceremony to bid farewell to Brig. Gen. Arthur J. Pasagian and welcome Brig. Gen. David C. Walsh in front of Marine Corps Systems Command, located at the Quantico Marine Corps Base.

The event drew dozens of friends, family and Marines to honor both Pasagian and Walsh for their years of service. Lieutenant General Karsten S. Heckl, commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, and the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, provided opening remarks.

“The accomplishments at Marine Corps Systems Command during your tenure are a direct reflection of your outstanding leadership,” said Lt. Gen. Heckl. “I know firsthand how much effort you put into ensuring our command is on track with our Marines. You had the intelligence and communication capabilities needed to make an expeditionary force. You were undoubtedly the right Marine at the right time to lead this demand.”

The accomplishments at Marine Corps Systems Command during your tenure are a direct reflection of your outstanding leadership. You were undoubtedly the right Marine at the right time to lead this demand.Lt. Gen. Heckl, Deputy Commandant Combat Development & Integration

During his tenure, Pasagian oversaw the execution of multiple acquisition initiatives supporting the Commandant’s Force Design 2030. For example, MCSC delivered the Corps’ largest infantry weapons modernization in over 25 years. It began large-scale divestment efforts in late 2019 in order to invest in equipment modernization. MCSC also rapidly developed and procured the Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, which the Navy and Marine Corps successfully tested last year in a joint exercise.

A New York City native, Pasagian enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 1987. He graduated recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, before entering a commissioning program. He commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 1990.

Pasagians assignments as a logistician in the operating forces include platoon commander, detachment commander, company executive officer, squadron logistics officer, brigade support group executive officer and battalion executive and commanding officer. He deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during Operation Continue Hope in Somalia and with Brigade Service Support Group 2 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

“Today is truly is a good day. It's been the ride of a lifetime,” said Pasagian. “I have witnessed amazing people who are capable of high-end work, doing what the nation and the Marine Corps calls them to do. From our first days to advancing to sophisticated weapons systems — being able to do that in a way that's meaningful — that applies advantage to this great nation  is a true honor. It's service. The best part of it is the people. That's the part I'm going to miss the most.”

Walsh proceeded with remarks, thanking Pasagian for his service and congratulating him on his next chapter of life. Walsh most recently served as the acting Program Executive Officer Land Systems at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Also a New York native, Walsh was commissioned into the Marine Corps in August 1992 through the Officer Candidates Course after receiving his bachelors degree in aerospace engineering. He later reported to the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, for flight training and was designated as a naval aviator in February 1995.

"Our center of gravity is our people," said Walsh. "It's the people here at MARCORSYSCOM, the acquisition professionals who are working every day through the technical aspects of our work, working through the acquisition regulations and all of its complexities, to make sure our Marines get the very best."

Walsh emphasized the importance of not only the acquisition professionals, but also the partnerships and collaboration with industry and our allies.

"We do not do anything alone. Our team is collaborative, transparent, engaging, and works with our industry partners to ensure we are delivering cutting-edge technology. I look forward to continuing that collaboration and working together to protect and provide capability to our Marines."


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