Marine battalion commander sacked during deployment

A Marine battalion commander deployed overseas with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, or MEU, was relieved of his command on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Marcus J. Mainz, the commander of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment embarked with the 26th MEU, was relieved of his duties by the commander of Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/ 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, “due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to continue to lead the battalion,” a press release reads.

Lt. Col. Christopher Bopp, the former commander of 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, has replaced Mainz as commander of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

The Corps provided no further details surrounding the sacking of the battalion commander.

The 26th MEU is currently operating in the 5th Fleet area of operations, which encompasses the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and the Horn of Africa.

Marines with the MEU recently wrapped up a major exercise in Jordan called Eager Lion.

According to Task Force 51/ 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 26th MEU Marines embarked on the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima recently conducted helocast training in the 5th Fleet area of operations.

Mainz is being reassigned to the II Marine Expeditionary Force.

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