Pictured: U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Wilson Marks (left) leads Cmdr. Christian Colburn (right) in the reciting of the Oath of Office during a promotion ceremony onboard Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), July 1.
Cmdr. Christian Colburn, a Sac City native, was promoted and recognized during a U.S. Navy ceremony at the Naval Air Station North Island in California on July 1. Colburn was elevated to the rank of commander in the Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) and received the Meritorious Service Medal for his tour as legal advisor to Carrier Strike Group 9 (CSG 9). Rear Adm. Wilson Marks says, “JAGs in the Navy are critical for our ability to make informed decisions. Cmdr. Colburn provided exceptional experience and gave thoughtful, honest, and timely advice, and was a tremendous member of our team—always doing what was needed to support Carrier Strike Group 9.” A third-generation service member, Colburn credited his Navy service to the influence of his late father and grandfather, his family’s history of military service, and strong community support in Iowa. During his tour, Colburn advised on a range of legal matters, from maritime law to rules of engagement, supporting over 6,000 sailors across eight ships and squadrons. He deployed with CSG 9 in 2024, operating across the Pacific and the Middle East. Colburn and his family will remain in San Diego for his next role supporting Navy medical commands.
