Marine Depot Maintenance Command welcomes new commanding officer

MCLB-ALBANY — Col. Eric S. Livingston assumed command of Marine Depot Maintenance Command (MDMC) from Col. Jeffrey Q. Hooks during a change-of-command ceremony Wednesday morning aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany.

The commander of MDMC is responsible for overseeing the operations and functions of both production plants of Marine Corps Logistics Command (LOGCOM), which are Production Plant Albany and Production Plant Barstow in California. The primary function of the plants is to take in equipment utilized by Marines and make sure it is combat ready.

MDMC was activated at the former Maintenance Center Albany in February 2012 and is subordinate to LOGCOM.

Hooks, who is retiring after nearly 30 years in the Marine Corps, thanked those at the command Wednesday for the opportunity to serve as commanding officer. He was in the role for three years, a timeframe he said is necessary in order to adjust to the learning curve.

In his position, he was tasked with unifying two plants on different ends of the country — each with its own culture. He spent a good deal of time in California achieving that, the most recent trip being last week in order to introduce West Coast Marines to their new leader.

He described the experience as both interesting and challenging, having gained much from the interactions he had with people. His command was the second time he had been in Albany, having served in a different capacity for three years earlier in his career.

Upon his departure, he said he was hopeful his second Albany tour was not too brutal for anyone.

“I’ve appreciated the friendship and professionalism, and just the conversations I’ve had with you in the stands over the last three years,” he said.

Livingston, a native of Ottumwa, Iowa, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1987. He completed the Officer Candidate School Platoon Leaders Class in 1992 and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant.

In the last three weeks, he has been able to get his feet wet at MDMC. He expressed excitement in being able to take the step of picking up where Hooks left off.

“I’ve got a big job ahead of me,” he said. “My first task is to look across the board and learn the basics. It is a big command, and (Col.) Hooks has done a good job. I want to continue what we are (doing).

“I see it as a challenge. I am ready for the challenge, and I am jumping in with both feet.”

Maj. Gen. Craig Crenshaw, commanding general of LOGCOM, said that Hooks has done his job with exceptional professionalism. Under Hooks’ leadership, the general noted, MDMC has seen a 20 percent increase in revenue and a 40 percent decrease in inventory while also achieving such recognition as the Robert T. Mason Award.

“He was well-suited for this command,” Crenshaw said.

He addressed Livingston, saying: “Jeff has set the bar. Your job is to raise the bar.”

In July 2005, then-Maj. Livingston reported to the 2nd Marine Logistics Group and served as executive officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion Forward in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon returning from Iraq, he served as executive officer of Combat Logistics Regiment-27 until August 2006, when he assumed command of Headquarters Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group Forward for deployment in support of OIF.

In June 2009, while he was a lieutenant colonel, Livingston assumed command of 3rd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment-35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group in Okinawa, Japan, until June 2011, when he departed to attend the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. He received a master’s degree there in strategic studies and national security.

Livingston was promoted to his current rank on Sept. 1 of last year.

The new MDMC commander is also a graduate of the Army Airborne Course, Marine Corps Logistics Education Program, Advanced Logistics Operations Course and the School of Infantry. He is married to the former Wendi Jones of Eldon, Iowa, with whom he has four children.

Hooks, a native of Gainesville, Fla., assumed command of MDMC in August 2013, relieving the retiring Col. Stephen Medeiros. He and his wife, the former Lori Sutton, have three adult children.

The retiring colonel would not disclose his plans for retirement, other than that he is expecting to have employment elsewhere within the next few months.