Austin spoke remotely in the course of the change-of-command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, as Army Gen. Paul LaCamera relieved Military Gen. Robert B. Abrams as commander of U.S. Forces, Korea Put together Forces Command and United Nations Command.


We have wonderful self-confidence in your judgment, in your perseverance to shield the guys and females underneath your command, and in your deep motivation to deterrence and stability on the Korean peninsula.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
The U.S.-Korea alliance is primarily based on frequent interests, Austin stated. It has presented the security necessary for South Korea to rise from the ashes of the Korean War to turn into 1 of the major nations of the world. “It really is a partnership based mostly on widespread interests and a friendship rooted in frequent values — democracy, liberty, human rights, the rule of law,” Austin mentioned. “We’ve labored shoulder-to-shoulder at sea and in the air and on the floor, defending a fragile peace and deterring the risk of aggression.”
Austin has claimed that specified the issues posed by the routine in Pyongyang, North Korea, and by China, the U.S.-Korea alliance has under no circumstances been far more essential.
The United States has an ironclad dedication to South Korea. Austin reiterated that determination in a person of his initial overseas visits as protection secretary. The United States is dedicated to the denuclearization of the peninsula and will proceed efforts to make that a reality, Austin stated.
COVID-19 intricate the predicament on the peninsula, and Austin lauded Abrams’ efforts to incorporate the virus and continue to keep overcome readiness. “Abe didn’t wait all-around for a good deal of specific path,” Austin reported. “He noticed what was coming. He predicted the crisis. And he took cost early on, well right before everyone beneath his command got sick. ‘Go tough, and go early,’ he claimed.”
Abrams quickly lifted well being defense levels and requested quarantines. “When matters acquired worse, Abe and his crew acquired busier,” the secretary said. “You can say a good deal of factors, but the quantities communicate to his success with very couple COVID circumstances located among the the a lot more than 58,000 people today he is dependable for.”


Only together can we experience any challenge and be profitable. And, in excess of the previous 31 months, we have had our honest share of issues. And we have experienced significantly achievements.”
Army Gen. Robert B. Abrams
Austin explained LaCamera has his total assist as LaCamera assumes the duties of the 3 instructions. “I know it is not lost on you how higher the stakes are and how critically vital this alliance is to our national security and to that of South Korea,” the secretary explained. “We have great confidence in your judgment, in your perseverance to safeguard the adult males and girls below your command, and in your deep determination to deterrence and security on the Korean peninsula.”
Abrams stressed that the command’s motto — Katchi kapshida or we go together — is much much more than just a bumper sticker sentiment. “It is who we are. It really is in our DNA,” he stated. “Only collectively can we encounter any problem and be prosperous. And, above the previous 31 months, we have had our truthful share of troubles. And we have experienced substantially success. We reinvigorated our put together instruction system and place a laser emphasis on our preparedness to ‘fight tonight’ to defend the Republic of Korea. And, if ever identified as on again, I assure you [the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea] are ready. This is our solemn obligation. Fifty-a person million South Koreans rest properly at evening mainly because they have faith in us, and they know that we’re prepared.”