CAMP CASEY, South Korea — Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division bade farewell to one commander and welcomed another during a ceremony Wednesday at Camp Casey.

Maj. Gen. John Morgan III took command of the division from Maj. Gen. James Coggin.

Coggin is retiring after 33 years of military service.

“Warriors, I love you, and I will miss you,” Coggin told his troops after thanking his command, friends and family for his success. “I will take off the big black patch from my sleeve today but never from my heart. I will seek to continue to devote my life to service to you and to our nation.”

Morgan comes to the division after working as the assistant chief of staff for operations, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea, and deputy commander of 8th U.S. Army.

He said he was honored to take command of 2nd ID.

“I realize that I have been entrusted with the leadership and care of the nation’s most precious resource — the men and women of the 2nd Infantry Division, warriors and the family members and outstanding civilians who serve alongside these great troopers,” he said.

During his remarks, Morgan outlined what his priorities would be during his tenure as the division’s commander.

He said he wants to ensure the command’s “fight tonight” readiness remains uncompromised, strengthen the U.S.-South Korean alliance through training and “transformational efforts,” improve force well-being, and “enhance war-fighting readiness by taking care of soldiers and their families.”

“These priorities will allow us to achieve our war-fighting readiness with a division that is known for highly disciplined units and soldiers,” Morgan said.

The ceremony ended with a pass and review and was followed by a reception at Camp Casey’s Warrior Club.