Report on 3d Marine Division Leadership Transition and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

A change of command ceremony was held at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, on July 30, 2025, marking a formal transfer of authority for the 3d Marine Division. Major General Christian F. Wortman concluded his tenure, relinquishing command to Major General Kyle B. Ellison. This event underscores the division’s commitment to stable and effective governance, a cornerstone of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Review of Command Tenure: Progress in Innovation and Institutional Strength

Under Major General Wortman’s leadership from June 2023, the 3d Marine Division made significant strides in modernization and operational readiness, directly supporting several Sustainable Development Goals.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The division spearheaded significant technological and organizational innovation. Key advancements included:
  1. The first operational deployment of the Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS).
  2. Integration of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS).
  3. Introduction of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle.
  4. The strategic redesignation of the 12th Marine Regiment to the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, reflecting an innovative approach to force structure.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The division’s focus on readiness and professional excellence reinforced its role as a strong institution dedicated to maintaining regional peace and security. This was highlighted by the command receiving the Marine of the Year award in 2024.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The recognition of the 3d Littoral Combat Team with the Marine Rifle Squad of the Year award demonstrates a commitment to fostering professional excellence and recognizing the high-value contributions of its personnel.

Major General Wortman commented on the “incredible capability, dedication, and professionalism of our young Marines and Sailors,” reflecting an institutional focus on developing human capital.

Strategic Outlook: Deepening Partnerships for Global Goals

Major General Ellison assumes command with a focus on continuing the division’s modernization and reinforcing its role as a key regional partner, in alignment with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Priorities Under New Leadership:

• Strengthening Partnerships (SDG 17): A primary objective is to enhance collaboration with allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific, building collective security frameworks that promote regional stability.
• Sustaining Peace and Institutional Integrity (SDG 16): The command will maintain a high state of readiness and continue to embrace innovation, ensuring the division remains a credible force prepared to uphold peace and respond to crises.
• Fostering Innovation (SDG 9): The commitment to “embracing innovation” signals a continued investment in advanced systems and organizational structures to meet future challenges effectively.

Major General Ellison stated his intent to “build upon this foundation and lead the Division to even greater heights,” ensuring its continued contribution to national and international security objectives.

Conclusion: A Forward-Deployed Force for Sustainable Security

The 3d Marine Division remains a forward-deployed presence in the western Pacific. Its ongoing mission—to operate alongside allies and partners while integrating next-generation technology—is fundamentally aligned with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals. By ensuring regional security, fostering robust partnerships, and driving institutional innovation, the division provides a stable foundation upon which broader development and prosperity can be built.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Specific Targets Identified

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions, in all countries, in particular developing countries, to build capacity at all levels, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.
  • The article describes the 3d Marine Division, a key national institution responsible for security and maintaining peace. The emphasis on its “unwavering commitment to excellence,” maintaining a “high state of readiness,” and fulfilling “wide ranging Indo-Pacific operational responsibilities” directly relates to strengthening this institution’s capacity to prevent conflict. The formal change of command ceremony itself signifies the stability and robust nature of this institution.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… encouraging innovation.
  • The article extensively discusses “modernization,” “innovation,” and the deployment of “critical new capabilities.” It provides specific examples of technological upgrades, such as the “first deployment of key capabilities including the Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), and Amphibious Combat Vehicle.” This focus on embracing new “tools, systems, and organization for the force of tomorrow” aligns with the goal of upgrading technological capabilities.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge-sharing on mutually agreed terms.
  • The article highlights the importance of alliances and collaboration. It states the division is prepared to “fight and win alongside allies and partners” and that a key goal is “strengthening our partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific.” This commitment to international cooperation for shared security objectives is a direct reflection of the principles of partnership outlined in SDG 17.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• The article implies progress towards a strong institution through several qualitative indicators:
  • Maintaining a “high state of readiness.”
  • The successful fulfillment of “wide ranging Indo-Pacific operational responsibilities.”
  • The seamless transfer of command, which demonstrates institutional stability and professionalism.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The article provides specific, tangible indicators that can be used to measure progress in innovation:
  • The “first deployment” of specific new systems: NMESIS, MADIS, and the Amphibious Combat Vehicle.
  • The “historic redesignation of 12th Marine Regiment to 12th Marine Littoral Regiment,” which is an indicator of organizational innovation.
  • Receiving the “Marine of the Year award” and the “Marine Rifle Squad of the Year award,” which serve as external validation of excellence and successful modernization.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article implies that the following can be used as indicators for successful partnerships, although it does not provide quantitative data:
  • The stated commitment to “strengthening our partnerships.”
  • The division’s preparedness to operate “alongside allies and partners,” indicating the existence and functionality of these alliances.

Summary Table

Source: dvidshub.net