Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.

After advancing to general in a July 2 ceremony presided by the commandant of the Marine Corps, Lt. Gen. James F. Amos assumed duties as 31st assistant commandant of the Marine Corps today.

Among more than 300 guests at the Marine Barracks ceremony in Crawford Hall were former commandants and assistant commandants, including Amos's predecessor, Gen. Robert Magnus, who attended with his wife Rose Magnus.

"As we bring aboard a new assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, we say goodbye to one of our best," said Gen. James T. Conway, 34th commandant. "I just want to say Gen. Bob Magnus has done an absolute superb job as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps."

Assisted by Amos' wife Bonnie, daughter Jaymie and son Joshua, Conway pinned the four-star rank insignias on Amos’ collar.

"They say that the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree," said Conway of his new wingman. "Jim’s father was a naval aviator for the United States Navy, and Jim became a great naval aviator for the United States Marine Corps. I trust he will make an even greater assistant commandant."

In his speech, Amos was very thankful to his former high school classmates and to the former commandants and assistant commandants of the Marine Corps in attendance. Amos was especially moved by the presence of his family, most notably his grandchildren.

Amos recalled his experiences with his predecessor and spoke toward the future: "Bob Magnus has spent his entire life serving the United States Marine Corps. He is a good friend. You have taken good care of me, and over the many, many years, you have been the go-to guy. I look forward to serving in this position with the same honor and distinction."

Amos graduated from the University of Idaho in 1970. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1971, and has held a variety of operational and staff assignments since 1972.

In August 2002, he assumed command of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and deployed with 3rd MAW to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Amos also served as commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force from July 2004 to August 2006. In August 2006, Amos assumed command of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.