Austin spoke remotely through the transform-of-command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, as Military Gen. Paul LaCamera relieved Army Gen. Robert B. Abrams as commander of U.S. Forces, Korea Put together Forces Command and United Nations Command.


We have terrific assurance in your judgment, in your perseverance to protect the men and females under your command, and in your deep determination to deterrence and protection on the Korean peninsula.”
Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III
The U.S.-Korea alliance is based on typical pursuits, Austin stated. It has presented the protection required for South Korea to rise from the ashes of the Korean War to grow to be 1 of the leading nations of the planet. “It is really a partnership dependent on frequent interests and a friendship rooted in frequent values — democracy, liberty, human rights, the rule of law,” Austin explained. “We have worked shoulder-to-shoulder at sea and in the air and on the floor, defending a fragile peace and deterring the risk of aggression.”
Austin has reported that provided the troubles posed by the regime in Pyongyang, North Korea, and by China, the U.S.-Korea alliance has hardly ever been far more important.
The United States has an ironclad commitment to South Korea. Austin reiterated that determination in 1 of his initially abroad excursions as protection secretary. The United States is dedicated to the denuclearization of the peninsula and will keep on efforts to make that a reality, Austin claimed.
COVID-19 complex the condition on the peninsula, and Austin lauded Abrams’ attempts to comprise the virus and continue to maintain beat readiness. “Abe didn’t hold out close to for a large amount of particular path,” Austin explained. “He saw what was coming. He anticipated the crisis. And he took charge early on, perfectly prior to anyone underneath his command obtained ill. ‘Go challenging, and go early,’ he reported.”
Abrams swiftly elevated health security amounts and purchased quarantines. “When matters bought even worse, Abe and his crew got busier,” the secretary mentioned. “You can say a large amount of points, but the numbers talk to his achievements with exceptionally handful of COVID scenarios discovered amongst the much more than 58,000 men and women he’s accountable for.”


Only collectively can we face any obstacle and be thriving. And, above the previous 31 months, we have experienced our honest share of troubles. And we have experienced much accomplishment.”
Army Gen. Robert B. Abrams
Austin stated LaCamera has his total assistance as LaCamera assumes the duties of the a few commands. “I know it is not lost on you how high the stakes are and how critically crucial this alliance is to our nationwide safety and to that of South Korea,” the secretary reported. “We have fantastic self-confidence in your judgment, in your resolve to safeguard the men and women of all ages beneath your command, and in your deep motivation to deterrence and protection on the Korean peninsula.”
Abrams pressured that the command’s motto — Katchi kapshida or we go together — is much much more than just a bumper sticker sentiment. “It is who we are. It’s in our DNA,” he said. “Only collectively can we face any problem and be successful. And, around the last 31 months, we have experienced our reasonable share of problems. And we have experienced much achievements. We reinvigorated our merged teaching application and set a laser concentration on our preparedness to ‘fight tonight’ to defend the Republic of Korea. And, if ever termed on once more, I assure you [the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea] are all set. This is our solemn obligation. Fifty-a single million South Koreans sleep properly at night time for the reason that they believe in us, and they know that we’re completely ready.”