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ALBANY, GA -- Before President Obama's speech to the nation about the end of the combat phase of the U.S. mission in Iraq, Major General James Kessler addressed the Dougherty County Rotary Club on the state of the Marine Corps and the future of the Marine Corps Logistics Base.

"For the last 8 years," said Kessler. "We’ve found ourselves in Afghanistan and Iraq in a role that has been necessary for this fight that is one of protracted land warfare but is somewhat contrary to our history."

Kessler said the time has come for the Marines to return to their traditional role as an expeditionary force relying on speed and flexibility.

He also emphasized the important role MCLB and Logistics Command play in the local economy as a major employer and contractor for the region.

"We’re a pretty large economic contributor to Southwest Georgia and sometimes it’s unclear to the general public how big a contributor we really are," said Kessler.

The Marine Corps Logistics Base contributes about half a billion dollars a year to the local economy. So what effect will the apparent end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq have on that number?

Very little, according to Kessler.

"The Marine Corps will always be involved in what we call Phase Zero Operations," said Kessler. "That is, the shaping of operations to prevent conflicts."

Karen Kemp of Albany agrees.

"In spite of the fact that the war in Iraq is slowing down, certainly Afghanistan – we have a huge presence there and a huge job to do there so I don’t anticipate seeing any slowdown of our Marine base here," said Kemp.