Austin spoke remotely all through the alter-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 Mixed Forces Command and United Nations Command.


We have great self confidence in your judgment, in your dedication to guard the adult males and women below your command, and in your deep commitment to deterrence and stability on the Korean peninsula.”
Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III
The U.S.-Korea alliance is primarily based on frequent interests, Austin explained. It has supplied the safety necessary for South Korea to increase from the ashes of the Korean War to turn into one of the major nations of the entire world. “It truly is a partnership primarily based on common passions and a friendship rooted in typical values — democracy, liberty, human rights, the rule of law,” Austin said. “We’ve labored shoulder-to-shoulder at sea and in the air and on the ground, defending a fragile peace and deterring the danger of aggression.”
Austin has stated that given the worries posed by the regime in Pyongyang, North Korea, and by China, the U.S.-Korea alliance has never been far more critical.
The United States has an ironclad dedication to South Korea. Austin reiterated that dedication in 1 of his initially abroad visits as defense secretary. The United States is committed to the denuclearization of the peninsula and will carry on initiatives to make that a fact, Austin reported.
COVID-19 complex the situation on the peninsula, and Austin lauded Abrams’ efforts to incorporate the virus and still sustain combat readiness. “Abe did not wait around all-around for a great deal of particular course,” Austin reported. “He noticed what was coming. He anticipated the disaster. And he took charge early on, perfectly just before any one less than his command received sick. ‘Go difficult, and go early,’ he reported.”
Abrams immediately elevated overall health defense amounts and ordered quarantines. “When factors acquired worse, Abe and his crew obtained busier,” the secretary mentioned. “You can say a ton of issues, but the numbers converse to his results with exceptionally couple COVID conditions found among the the additional than 58,000 people today he is responsible for.”


Only together can we experience any obstacle and be effective. And, more than the past 31 months, we have had our fair share of troubles. And we have experienced considerably success.”
Army Gen. Robert B. Abrams
Austin reported LaCamera has his entire aid as LaCamera assumes the obligations of the a few instructions. “I know it is not shed on you how substantial the stakes are and how critically crucial this alliance is to our countrywide security and to that of South Korea,” the secretary reported. “We have excellent self esteem in your judgment, in your resolve to guard the guys and ladies under your command, and in your deep dedication to deterrence and protection on the Korean peninsula.”
Abrams pressured 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 truly is in our DNA,” he claimed. “Only together can we face any problem and be thriving. And, above the final 31 months, we have experienced our reasonable share of problems. And we have experienced substantially achievements. We reinvigorated our merged schooling method and place a laser emphasis on our preparedness to ‘fight tonight’ to protect the Republic of Korea. And, if at any time termed on once more, I guarantee you [the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea] are all set. This is our solemn obligation. Fifty-just one million South Koreans rest effectively at night due to the fact they have faith in us, and they know that we’re completely ready.”