Brigadier General Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr.
Brigadier General Rizzo was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He graduated from Western New England College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice.
After working in local law enforcement, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and graduated from MCRD Parris Island in 1990. After completing Recruit Training, he reported to the School of Infantry where he attained the MOS of 0341 Mortarman.
In January 1991 he received orders to MarBks Ground Defense Force, Subic Bay, Philippines where he participated in Operation Fiery Vigil in June 1991. Upon the deactivation of MarBks, Subic Bay he received orders to 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st Marine Division as an 81 MM Mortar Platoon Section Leader and promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In August 1994 he was accepted for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and attended Officer Candidate School, The Basic School (with Honors), and Infantry Officer Course, obtaining the MOS 0302. Brigadier General Rizzo accepted augmentation in November 1998 in conjunction with the supplementary MOS program and reported to Logistics Officer School where he received the MOS of 0402.
Brigadier General Rizzo’s operational assignments include: Platoon Commander, 81MM Mortar Platoon Commander, and Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines; Weapons Company Commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines; Company Commander, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Operation IRAQI FREEDOM); Battle Major/Senior Watch Officer, CJTF-76 (Operation ENDURING FREEDOM); Commanding Officer, Combat Logistics Battalion-6 (Operation ENDURING FREEDOM); and CJ4, CJTF-HOA.
His staff and joint assignments include: S-4 Officer, Camp Johnson Area/MCCSSS; Recruit Station Commanding Officer, Recruiting Station Detroit, MI; Program Analyst, Joint Fires Div., J6, CJCS; Global Force Management Future Operations Officer, Current and Future Operations Branch, PP&O; Commanding Officer, MARCOR Det. Fort Leonard Wood, MO; AC/S G4, III MEF; Chief of Staff, III MEF; Deputy Commander, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC; and Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC.
Brigadier General Rizzo is a graduate of The Basic School (with Honors), Infantry Officers Course, Logistics Officers Course, U.S. Naval War College (with Honors), Marine Corps War College, and High Command and Staff Course at the United Kingdom Defence Academy.
Brigadier General Rizzo assumed the duties of commander, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune, in May 2024. Following U.S. Senate approval, he was promoted to his current rank of Brigadier General on Jan. 13, 2025, making him the tenth commanding general of MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune.
Brigadier General Rizzo assumed the duties of commander, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune, in May 2024. Following U.S. Senate approval, he was promoted to his current rank of Brigadier General on Jan. 13, 2025, making him the tenth commanding general of MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune.