A new general is set to take the helm of the Marine Corps' small base in South Korea.

Maj. Gen. Robert Hedelund left 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point, North Carolina, this week to assume command of Marine Forces Korea, headquartered in Seoul. The position will also place him over UCJ-5, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command.

Hedelund will replace Maj. Gen. Christopher Owens as commander of MARFORK. Brig. Gen. Paul Rock, former head of Command and Control Branch, Marine Corps Aviation at the Pentagon, will replace Hedelund as the head of He relinquished command of 2nd MAW's during a change of command ceremony on Thursday.

In an open letter posted to Cherry Point's Facebook page, Hedelund bid farewell to the troops and families of 2nd MAW and thanked them for their support.

"Two years have gone by fast and words can't fully describe the impact each and every one of you has had on us," Hedelund wrote. "We have accomplished much together and we are humbled by your patriotism, tenacity and your commitment to mission success — for that we humbly thank you."

A career aviator, Hedelund has previously served as senior military assistant to the secretary of the Navy and as director of the Marine and Family Programs Division at Headquarters Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.

About 100 Marines are headquartered in South Korea. MARFORK. The commander of MARFORK also serves as the Marine Forces Pacific liaison to the country's military leaders.

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