One is Christian Wortman, a Warren native.

And — effective Friday — he assumed command of the 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa Japan.

“It is a privilege to take command of 3d Marine Division,” Wortman said. “I am humbled to walk in the footsteps of the Marines that came before me.”

The change of command ceremony was held on Friday at Camp Courtney.

Photo provided to the Times Observer U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Christian Wortman, a Warren native, addresses Marines, Sailors, and families of 3d Marine Division during the unit’s change of command ceremony on Friday.

Wortman’s service to the United States began in 1991 when he graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in history.

He has served in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe, the Philippines, and other locations in the U.S. and abroad.

Prior to assuming command in Japan, he was the Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

The valedictorian of the 1987 class at Warren Area High School, Wortman is the son of the late Jerry Wortman and Ann Wortman.

According to a statement from the 3rd Division, he is accompanied by his wife, Susan Hampson Wortman.

Photo provided to the Times Observer U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Christian Wortman salutes during a pass-in-review conducted as part of a change of command ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan.

“This unit has constantly proven itself throughout history and I am excited to see what the future holds for 3d Marine Division,” Wortman said during the change of command ceremony.

“To the Marines and Sailors: It’s an honor to serve alongside you and thank you for the sacrifices you continue to make. Your selflessness and devotion to duty make it an honor to be your commanding general.”

While Okinawa may be on the other side of the world, Wortman said he recognizes the role that growing up here has played in his career.

“My family and the great men and women in Warren, the community that I grew up in, set the foundation of values that has served us so well, and that guides us to this day,” he said.

According to the 3d Division, Wortman now leads the “Marine Corps’ infantry division in the Indo-Pacific’s first island chain. In addition to infantry and artillery units on Okinawa, Wortman is now in charge of the nation’s only Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR), 3d MLR, in Hawaii.”

The Division “operates as part of the stand-in force in the first island chain and integrates with the joint force and allies and partners in the region.

“The Division’s primary mission is to be prepared to deny and disrupt the actions of potential adversaries.”

“We are Marines. We know wearing this title means we are ready to respond to any crisis at any time,” Wortman said. “Our civilian and military leadership have been clear: The Marines in this theater must be prepared to respond at a moment’s notice.

“The nation expects its Marines to be ready right now and the same can be expected from 3d Marine Division.”