New Commander Kim Gye-hwan: "We Will Develop into a National Strategic Mobile Unit"

Marine Corps Commander Change of Command Ceremony "Victorious Marines, Honest Marines, United Marines"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Kim Gye-hwan (54, Naval Academy Class 44), the new Commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, stated, "The Marine Corps will develop into a national strategic mobile force that guards the most difficult and challenging frontlines of the armed forces."

Commander Kim made these remarks in his inaugural speech at the 36th and 37th Marine Corps Commandant Change of Command Ceremony held on the 7th at the Marine Corps Headquarters parade ground.

He said, "The Marine Corps will evolve into a national strategic mobile force based on advanced scientific technology capable of rapid response to all-directional threats, becoming the strongest pillar of national security," emphasizing, "The purpose of the Marine Corps is to deter enemy provocations at the forefront of the armed forces, achieve certain victory, and support the nation's freedom, peace, and prosperity." He added, "Our Marine Corps, which guards the most difficult and challenging areas at the core of national defense and meets the expectations of the people, faces the task of becoming a stronger force to fulfill its given duties in the future security environment without change."

He presented key focus tasks including a 'victorious Marine Corps' through firm operational readiness and realistic training, an 'honest Marine Corps' with a sincere attitude facing missions and responsibilities head-on, and a 'collaborative Marine Corps' that coexists with the people.

Commander Kim pledged, "The Marine Corps, with its history of victory, is the achievement of its members and a proud tradition we will continue together. Bearing the heaviest responsibility in the Marine Corps, I will do my utmost in the given missions and responsibilities alongside all Marine Corps members from the lowest position."

Commander Kim is a policy and planning expert who has held key positions such as Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Chief of Staff of the Northwest Islands Defense Command, Commander of the 9th Marine Brigade, and Commander of the 1st Marine Division. Notably, during his tenure as Commander of the 1st Marine Division, he strengthened the Marine Corps' unique amphibious operation capabilities and established the completeness of the rapid mobile unit, earning recognition for his operational and command capabilities.

Meanwhile, outgoing Commandant Major General Kim Tae-seong retired after 39 years of military service on the same day. During his tenure, he pursued goals such as fostering a 'Patriotic and Loyal Marine Corps,' establishing firm operational readiness, implementing realistic training focused on combat missions, realizing an advanced military camp guaranteeing human rights and safety, and strengthening the capabilities of a Korean-style air-ground mobile unit. The change of command ceremony was attended by former Marine Corps Commandants, key Navy and Marine Corps personnel, active-duty soldiers and civilian employees, as well as U.S. Forces Korea officials including General Paul LaCamera, Commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, and Brigadier General Brian Wulford, Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, who congratulated the new commandant and bid farewell to the outgoing commandant.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.