Republic of Korea special operations Soldiers depart a ROK H-60 airframe as a part of a multiday training event associated with exercise Freedom Shield 25 at Paengnyong-Do (Baengyeong-Do), ROK, March 19, 2025. Freedom Shield is an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty signed on Oct. 1, 1953. This combined exercise hones the U.S. and ROK combined lethality through defense capabilities that ensure the mutual defense of both nations’ homelands and contributes to regional peace and stability through integrated deterrence. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Lee)