U.S. President Barack Obama visited more than 1,500 service members and their families, expressing appreciation for their service to the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance at Collier Field House here Apr. 26.

Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea commander and U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim introduced the president to the crowd gathered inside the field house.

“It is good to be back to Yongsan Garrison!” President Barack Obama told the crowd gathered at the field house. “All of you have helped keep this Alliance the linchpin of security and stability in the Asia Pacific.”

He arrived in Seoul, South Korea on Friday during his tour of the Asia-Pacific Region.

President Obama's trip to Seoul also included a visit to the War Memorial of Korea, and a visit to the Combined Forces Command (CFC) with Republic of Korea President Park Geun-hye at the UNC/CFC/USFK headquarters.

“This Alliance is special, forged on the battlefield, and it has been fortified by the common values and mutual respect of our peoples,” the president said. “The United States and Korea are more than allies – we are friends. And this foundation of trust and security and stability that allows both our nations to thrive economically and socially is made possible by the service and sacrifice of every one of you – our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and diplomats. You are the tip of the spear on freedom’s frontier.”

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