OKINAWA, Japan - Col. Jason Perry, commanding officer of 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, will be relinquishing command of the regiment to Col. Matthew Tracy on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, May 29, 2020.

Perry has commanded 4th Marine Regiment since July 2, 2018 and will be the new assistant division commander of 3rd Marine Division.

"The regiment’s legacy as a forward deployed and forward employed force continues today,” said Perry. “I am privileged and honored to have been a part of this storied regiment for the last two years.”

Camp Schwab has been home to 4th Marine Regiment since 1965. It was established in 1959 at the invitation of the local community. The camp staff is a small but dedicated group of Marines, Sailors, and local national and American civilians. The staff ensure the regiment is always mission ready.

Perry and 4th Marine Regiment take pride in being a part of the community. They hold english camps, Schwab Fest, Easter egg hunts, Christmas parties and Halloween trick or Treating to ensure the Henoko community always feels at home on Camp Schwab.

This year, in an effort to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, a change of command parade and ceremony were not conducted. Although unable to say so in person, Perry gives thanks and recognizes all of the Henoko residents, the Marines and Sailors of 4th Marines and all those aboard Camp Schwab.

“It has been the highlight of my career to work alongside the Marines and Sailors who keep this regiment ‘in the fight’ every day,” Perry said.

For more details on 4th Marine Regiment, check out the video “Hold High the Torch” on dvidshub.net.