Senior leaders from U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command visited the Republic of Korea Feb. 12 to 13, to engage with U.S. Space Force personnel and bolster an alliance with one of the U.S. Space Force’s closest allies, the Republic of Korea Air Force.

During the visit, U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr., SpOC commander, and U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Lloyd, SpOC senior enlisted leader, engaged with Republic of Korea Lt. Gen. Kim, Hyoung Soo, commander of ROKAF Operations Command, who led a tour of the ROK’s Space Operations Group.

During the engagement, Miller commented on the importance of the alliance between the two organizations.

“As we look at the synchronization and integration of capability that I've seen in the last couple of days, this alliance is as strong as I've ever seen it in my 32 years,” he said. “From my perspective the U.S. military and our Republic of Korea partners are as ready as ever to deter a wide range of threats. It would be a mistake for any actor to threaten this alliance.”

Miller and Lloyd continued their visit meeting with Guardians from a variety of units on Osan, to include those assigned to U.S. Space Forces – Korea. During the engagement, Lloyd commented on the importance of the Space Force component’s role.

“The work you’re doing here ensuring we are collaborating in a complimentary fashion with our partners from the Republic of Korea is a cornerstone in maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula,” Lloyd said. “I’m encouraged by what we’re seeing in terms of the cross-component coordination being conducted across the Indo-Pacific region and I know you’re working hard every day to get better.”

Also during engagements with Guardians here, Miller discussed Exercise Polaris Hammer. Phase I of the space warfighter comprehensive command and control exercise was held Jan. 21 to 24, 2025.

“Having a dedicated team focused on integration at the operational level and strategic level of war in this area of responsibility (U.S. Space Forces – Korea), we’re able to build out these training scenarios in order to credibly demonstrate resolve and promote interoperability,” he said. “For this reason and many others, this component is worth its weight in gold.”

U.S. Space Force Col. John Patrick, Space Forces – Korea commander, also commented on his component’s mission.

“Space is fundamental to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific and our integration and coordination with Space Operations Command and Partner Nations is key to ensuring we are postured and equipped to meet our mission needs,” said Col. John Patrick, Space Forces – Korea commander. “We are grateful for General Miller and Chief Llyod’s leadership and unwavering support for our Guardians across the Korean theater of operations.”

Miller and Lloyd also visited Japan while in the region from Feb. 9 to 11, where they discussed trilateral partnership amongst Japan, the U.S., and ROK.  

Space Operations Command is committed to protecting America and its allies in, from, and to space, now and into the future.