Remarks as of 14 Jul 09 FINAL

Foreign Press Center:  14 July, 2009

Good morning.  I’ve now been the commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces in Korea for a little over a year.  When I took command, I established three priorities. 

Those priorities are to be prepared to fight and win, to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, and to improve the quality of life of our U.S. Service members, DoD civilians, and their family members in Korea. 

These priorities have remained constant and everything we are doing supports them.
 
On this trip, I have either met, or will meet, with the Council on Foreign Relations, the Korea Society, and the UN Secretary General. 

With all of them, I am speaking about the strength and importance of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, an alliance with a sixty-year history that will only grow stronger in the years ahead as it transforms to meet today’s current and emerging challenges. 

It is certainly an interesting time to be the commander in Korea, with many opportunities and challenges.  The recent summit between President Lee and President Obama points toward the opportunities.  The recent provocations by North Korea serve as ready reminder as to why the ROK-U.S. Alliance remains so important.

I can assure you that the alliance is fully prepared to respond to any situation as we continue to closely monitor activities in the region.

In the face of these recent provocations, the alliance stands strong and ready and in fact is getting stronger every day.

As President Obama recently reaffirmed, “The Republic of Korea is one of America's closest allies. Our friendship has been forged through a history of shared sacrifice, and it is anchored in our shared democratic values.”

I would echo the thoughts of my Commander-in-Chief by saying that the ROK-U.S. Alliance has never been stronger. 

Since the end of the Korean War, the ROK – U.S. Alliance has deterred aggression, maintained peace on the Korean peninsula and promoted security and stability in the vital region of Northeast Asia.  We remains fully capable of performing these tasks.

The president went on to say, “The challenges of our young century can only be met through partnership, and the United States is honored to partner with the Korean people. We will be resolute in the defense of our security…And we will strengthen and deepen the friendship among our people. That's our commitment as friends and allies.”

The world, and the region of Northeast Asia, has changed since the ROK-U.S. alliance was forged in the Korean War.  And the opportunities and challenges facing it have also changed.

Some of the most profound changes have occurred in the Republic of Korea, which has risen from the ashes of war to develop a robust economy, become a leading developer of advanced technology, and successfully adopted democratic institutions.

Some veterans of the Korean War recently returned to Korea as part of the celebration of the nation’s 60th anniversary last year.  They found the modern Korea of the 21st Century simply unrecognizable from the war-torn country they helped defend more than half a century ago. 

Americans serving in Korea today stand shoulder to shoulder with one of the most capable and professional defense organizations in the world.  The Republic of Korea military is well-trained, equipped, disciplined, and superbly led. 

While the Alliance was a critical force in supporting the incredible changes and growth that have occurred in Northeast Asia, it remains as vital today as it did when it was first formed.

But, it is also transforming to take advantage of the opportunities and to meet the challenges of this new century.

We are focused on transitioning wartime operational control of ROK military forces to the Republic of Korea in April 2012, normalizing U.S. military tours in Korea, and repositioning U.S. forces in Korea into first-class enduring military facilities. 

The future will see a Republic of Korea-led defense structure with U.S. forces, operating with the current troop and capability levels, consolidated in two hubs at Pyongtaek and Daegu.  The majority of those forces will be in Korea on 3-year accompanied tours. 

Wartime operational control transition is the next logical step in the natural evolution of the Alliance.  The ROK military is trained, professional and will be ready to accept this role in 2012.

As is the case today, after OPCON transition is complete, the U.S. will remain committed to a long-term presence in Korea and the region. 

It is an exciting time to be in Korea, full of challenges and opportunities.  Over my first  year in command we, the ROK and U.S. forces have become stronger in our ability to  fight and win, we have strengthened the ROK-U.S. Alliance, and we continue to improve the quality of life for service members, civilians and their families.  I am convinced the next several years will see an even stronger ROK-U.S. Alliance.