TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Military authorities are designating the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base as a standalone headquarters.
    
An event is planned for Monday.
    
This means that the command - known as MARCENT - will be led by three-star general Lt. Gen. Robert B. Neller.
    
Previously, the MARCENT commander split time between MacDill and Camp Pendleton in California.
    
MARCENT in Tampa is responsible for Marine forces operating in the Middle East and Arabian Gulf region, including the Marine forces in Afghanistan. There are about 15,000 military personnel assigned to the command.

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