New general takes command of I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton

A new general took command of the I Marine Expeditionary Force at Cam Pendleton this week, with the commandant of the Marine Corps presiding over the ceremony.

Lt. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm relinquished command to Lt. Gen. Christian F. Wortman on Thursday and also retired from the Corps.

The I MEF is one of the Marines’ three principal expeditionary forces. The other two are headquartered at Camp Lejune, NC, and Okinawa, Japan.

Each is made up of ground, air and logistics teams — some 50,000 personnel in all — able to support themselves in combat for up to 60 days.

Marine Commandant Gen. Eric M. Smith said I MEF is critical to supporting U.S. strategic objectives across the Indo-Pacific region.

“This is the iron fist of American foreign policy. This is our war-fighting MEF,” said Smith. “That’s what this MEF does. It prepares, and it deploys, and it fights, and it always wins.”

During his tenure, Cederholm spearheaded innovative training and experimentation programs designed to improve how Marines work with other military branches across all domains — land, sea, air, space and cyber.

“To the Marines standing before us, you are the soul of this very MEF … it has been my most humble privilege to serve alongside all of you,” said Cederholm. “As we depart, know this: you have the sacred trust that comes with donning the cloth of our country and for swearing an oath. I know we’re in good hands.”

Following the ceremony, Cederholm was honored in a separate event commemorating his retirement after 36 years of honorable and distinguished service.

Wortman assumes command following his assignment as commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa. A proven leader with extensive joint and operational experience, he brings a forward-focused perspective as I MEF continues to support operations across the Indo-Pacific.

“Today we are really proud, we are really thankful for these great Marines and sailors … most especially to the Marines and sailors that are forward deployed from this MEF,” said Wortman. “Every day we fight for the distinction of being an elite team, to strengthen our operational advantages and to protect the proud legacy of this great command.”