July 2, 2014 -- More than 400 Marines, family and friends gathered June 26 at Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity’s parade quadrangle to celebrate the activity’s 20th change of command since its founding in 1970.
Officiated by Brig. Gen. Frank Kelley, commander of Marine Corps Systems Command, Col. Christopher Snyder relinquished command of the activity to Col. Benjamin Stinson.
“Your leadership matters,” said Kelley, commenting on Snyder’s achievements during the last three years. “It matters to all these people: all these civilians, all the Marines and it especially matters to me. I want to thank you for a spectacular job here at MCTSSA.”
Kelley also praised the achievements of several MCTSSA and MCSC efforts executed during Snyder’s tenure, including the Marine Corps Network Efficiency Lab, Virtual Rapid Prototyping Lab and the stand-up of the Developmental Test and Evaluation organization and structure.
Commenting on Stinson’s assumption of command, Kelley said, “I’ve known Ben almost a third of my career; he has had many, many successful tours at Marine Corps Systems Command. He’s got a stellar, outstanding record.”
Those many assignments include being program manager for Air Defense Weapon Systems and Unmanned Systems. Subsequently and prior to being assigned to MCTSSA, Stinson served on a joint acquisition assignment with the Army as the project manager for the Robotic Systems Joint Project Office.
Following the exchange of the Marine Corps flag from the hands of Snyder to those of Stinson, Kelley presented Snyder with the Legion of Merit for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service and achievements.
Headquartered at Camp Pendleton, California, MCTSSA provides test and evaluation, engineering and deployed technical support for Marine Corps and joint-service command, control, computer and communications systems throughout all acquisition lifecycle phases.