MCLB-Albany welcomes new commander as McKinney retires after 27-year Marine career

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE-ALBANY — Leadership of Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany officially changed hands Monday morning as Col. Matthew J. McKinney relinquished command to Col. Stephen A. Ritchie during a traditional change of command ceremony recognizing nearly three decades of military service, while marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of the Marine Corps’ most critical logistics installations.

The June 29 ceremony featured the ceremonial transfer of the organizational colors, symbolizing the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for the installation from McKinney, who had commanded the base since June 29, 2023, to Ritchie, who now assumes responsibility for the base and its mission supporting Marine Corps readiness worldwide.

Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany provides installation support services that enable tenant commands to accomplish their missions while maintaining facilities, infrastructure and quality-of-life programs for Marines, civilian employees and their families.

In his farewell remarks, McKinney reflected on three years leading the installation, describing the assignment as one of the greatest honors of his career.

“When I arrived, I knew this installation had a proud legacy dating back to 1952, but what I didn’t know is how quickly I would come to feel like part of a family,” McKinney said. “Over the past three years, we’ve accomplished a tremendous amount together.”

McKinney credited Marines, civilian employees and tenant commands with strengthening installation readiness through infrastructure improvements, modernization projects and quality-of-life initiatives while reinforcing the base’s role as what he called “the epicenter of Marine Corps logistics and the backbone of the Corps’ readiness.”

He also highlighted expanded partnerships with area schools, civic organizations, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee and local governments throughout southwest Georgia.

“The future of MCLB-Albany is bright,” McKinney said. “I’m grateful for every Marine, every civilian, every community partner and every friend and family member who made this journey incredibly meaningful.”

During his tenure, the installation earned recognition as the Marine Corps’ Installation of the Year and received four consecutive installation safety awards, accomplishments McKinney attributed to the efforts of military personnel and civilian employees across the base.

Commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Combined Course in 1999, McKinney served in numerous operational assignments, including with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, Marine Special Operations Command and the 24th and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units. He also commanded Combat Logistics Battalion 26 and Combat Logistics Regiment 2 before assuming command in Albany in 2023.

His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Following 27 years of service, McKinney will retire and transition to the civilian sector.

Ritchie, a Fort Worth, Texas, native, assumed command after previously serving as command inspector general for Marine Corps Installations-Pacific. Commissioned in 2005 following graduation from Texas Christian University, he has served in aviation logistics, manpower management, recruiting and strategic planning assignments throughout the Marine Corps.

Addressing those in attendance, Ritchie praised McKinney’s leadership while expressing appreciation for the welcome his family had already received after arriving in Albany.

“We’re honored to be here with you and this awesome southwest Georgia community and just can’t wait to get to work with all of you,” Ritchie said.

Although he playfully acknowledged he had “accomplished absolutely zero” on his first day in command, Ritchie outlined three priorities he intends to pursue over the coming years.

Those priorities include continuing to improve quality of life for everyone who lives and works on the installation, strengthening physical security in response to evolving threats and further integrating the installation into the nation’s defense industrial base to ensure Marines receive the equipment and support needed for future conflicts.

The ceremony concluded with a pass in review, the playing of “Anchors Aweigh” and the Marines’ Hymn, officially marking the transition of command as Marines, civilian employees, elected officials and community leaders welcomed the installation’s new commanding officer.

For Albany and southwest Georgia, the ceremony underscored the longstanding relationship between the military installation and the surrounding community, while reaffirming MCLB-Albany’s role as a strategic logistics hub supporting Marine Corps operations around the world.