Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.

Capt. Brent W. Scott was promoted to the rank of rear admiral by the commandant of the Marine Corps and assumed his duties as 19th chaplain of the Marine Corps/deputy chief of Navy chaplains at Marine Barracks Washington, July 25.

During his remarks, Gen. James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, welcomed Scott back to the Marine Corps after serving as battalion chaplain with 3rd Marine Air Wing in Yuma, Arizona early in his career. Amos also acknowledged Scott’s ministry to Marines as staff chaplain at Naval Station Rota and later as command chaplain on USS Ronald Reagan.

After administering the oath of office, Amos presented Scott with a copy of the U.S. Constitution, signed by the commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps, as well as Scott’s flag as a newly promoted flag officer.

As the senior Navy chaplain serving in the Marine Corps, Scott will oversee nearly 300 chaplains and 250 religious program specialists currently supporting the spiritual needs of Marines. He will also serve as a key advisor to the commandant on religious accommodation, morals and ethics, and the spiritual welfare of the force.

Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben, outgoing chaplain of the Marine Corps, shared her enthusiasm for her successor. 

“Brent Scott brings with him a wealth of experience to this new role. He is just as passionate and concerned for the welfare of our people, and he shares my love and admiration of our Marines,” said Kibben.

During her remarks, she shared the importance of Scott’s position, “as an extension of the commandant but, more importantly, an extension of God…an opportunity to be the witness and the presence of God wherever you go.” 

Kibben also expressed the incredible sense of belonging that comes with being chaplain of the Marine Corps and a part of the Marine Corps family.
Scott has more than 22 years of service as a Navy chaplain ministering to those in the Navy and Marine Corps. 

“With this promotion comes the incalculable, indescribable honor to serve as chaplain of the Marine Corps,” Scott reflected. “I am humbled and a bit awestruck by the opportunity and the window that has been opened for me,” he added.

He went on to pledge to Amos that the chaplains and RPs currently serving him “will keep faith with [his] Marines, doing right by them and doing right for them…more than supporting them in the fight, but helping them finish the course.”

Scott also underscored the commitment of his chaplains and RPs to provide courageous care for the Marines and Sailors as they confront the lingering effects of sustained combat. He pledged that chaplains will be there to walk with them and their families as they transition and face the effects of war upon the mind, body, and spirit and the challenge of building and preserving resiliency.

“We will not only keep faith with your Marines. We will keep your Marines in faith—in their personal faith. That is our most sacred trust, as chaplains…to nurture every capable Marine in a faith and a reliance upon someone who is greater than themselves,” said Scott.