U.S. Army Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, United States Forces Korea commander (left), talks to U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis before he signs the guest book at U.S. Forces Headquarters, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, Republic of Korea, Feb. 2, 2017. General Brooks and Deputy Commander, Combined Force Command, General Leem Ho-young (pictured right) met with the new defense secretary as he embarked on his first official visit to a foreign country as secretary of defense in support of the U.S.’s ironclad commitment to stand by allied nations like the ROK in the face of common threats.