New deployments for reservists, focus on Latin America come with 3-star Marine South command

SSG Robert Mark Odom
"Bellon took over the command Friday from Col. Michael McWilliams at a ceremony near Miami in Doral, Florida, where U.S. Southern Command is located.

The general is no stranger to Marine Corps Forces South, previously having served as its commander when it was a brigadier general’s billet, according to a Friday press release.

He also has served as the director of strategy, policy and plans for U.S. Southern Command.

McWilliams, who already has been selected for promotion to brigadier general, will remain at the command as a Bellon’s deputy, helping mitigate some of the issues that come from having one commander in charge of two commands.

“It’s huge,” Bellon said about having a deputy assigned to the command."