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


We have terrific self esteem in your judgment, in your dedication to guard the males and females beneath your command, and in your deep motivation to deterrence and security on the Korean peninsula.”
Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III
The U.S.-Korea alliance is based mostly on widespread interests, Austin said. It has furnished the safety needed for South Korea to increase from the ashes of the Korean War to come to be just one of the major nations of the planet. “It truly is a partnership primarily based on frequent passions and a friendship rooted in common values — democracy, liberty, human rights, the rule of law,” Austin said. “We’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder at sea and in the air and on the ground, defending a fragile peace and deterring the menace of aggression.”
Austin has explained that specified the troubles posed by the routine in Pyongyang, North Korea, and by China, the U.S.-Korea alliance has in no way been much more crucial.
The United States has an ironclad dedication to South Korea. Austin reiterated that commitment in a person of his first abroad visits as defense secretary. The United States is dedicated to the denuclearization of the peninsula and will go on efforts to make that a truth, Austin reported.
COVID-19 difficult the circumstance on the peninsula, and Austin lauded Abrams’ efforts to consist of the virus and still keep overcome readiness. “Abe did not hold out about for a great deal of precise way,” Austin claimed. “He observed what was coming. He predicted the disaster. And he took demand early on, perfectly in advance of any person under his command bought sick. ‘Go hard, and go early,’ he reported.”
Abrams immediately elevated health and fitness protection concentrations and requested quarantines. “When points acquired worse, Abe and his crew obtained busier,” the secretary reported. “You can say a good deal of matters, but the figures speak to his accomplishment with very number of COVID cases identified amid the additional than 58,000 people he is responsible for.”


Only collectively can we experience any obstacle and be prosperous. And, around the previous 31 months, we have had our truthful share of problems. And we have had significantly achievements.”
Army Gen. Robert B. Abrams
Austin mentioned LaCamera has his total aid as LaCamera assumes the obligations of the three commands. “I know it is not dropped on you how high the stakes are and how critically essential this alliance is to our national security and to that of South Korea,” the secretary said. “We have great self-assurance in your judgment, in your perseverance to safeguard the males and gals under your command, and in your deep commitment to deterrence and security on the Korean peninsula.”
Abrams pressured that the command’s motto — Katchi kapshida or we go together — is far much more than just a bumper sticker sentiment. “It is who we are. It truly is in our DNA,” he mentioned. “Only collectively can we deal with any challenge and be prosperous. And, over the previous 31 months, we have had our reasonable share of troubles. And we have experienced substantially achievements. We reinvigorated our put together education program and place a laser emphasis on our preparedness to ‘fight tonight’ to protect the Republic of Korea. And, if ever called on once again, I guarantee you [the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea] are ready. This is our solemn obligation. Fifty-one million South Koreans slumber properly at night time since they have confidence in us, and they know that we are ready.”