The Marines of the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Base Brig are no strangers to making history in the Corps.
In 2000, the brig became the first Marine Corps correctional institution to receive an accreditation from a civilian organization, subjecting it to a list of 484 measurable standards and extensive inspections. Additionally, it is currently the only level two corrections facility in the Marine Corps, meaning it can hold prisoners for up to ten years.
The leadership at this facility does not shy away from breaking barriers as well. Just last year, now-Chief Warrant Officer 4 Karen Dymora made history by becoming the first female commanding officer of a Marine Corps correctional facility when she took command of the Camp Pendleton Brig. On Feb. 10, Dymora was promoted to her current rank, an accomplishment held only by one other female in the occupational field.
Her new rank insignia was pinned on her uniform by her mentor and friend of nearly 23 years, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Denise Barnes, the only other female chief warrant officer four in the corrections military occupational specialty.
Col. Edward Greeley, the commanding officer of Security and Emergency Services Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, spoke on Dymora’s achievements during her promotion ceremony inside the facility.
“It’s an honor for me to come out and promote an exceptional Marine, a history maker in the Marine Corps,” said Greeley. “To watch someone’s success over the course of 23 years, paying out to a promotion to the rank of chief warrant officer 4, just speaks volumes to her dedication, motivation and desire to always do the best job she can.”
