Abrams Relinquishes Korea Commands to LaCamera > U.S. Department of Defense > Defense Department News
Austin spoke remotely throughout the adjust-of-command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, as Military Gen. Paul LaCamera relieved Military Gen. Robert B. Abrams as commander of U.S. Forces, Korea Combined Forces Command and United Nations Command.


We have wonderful self-assurance in your judgment, in your willpower to defend the men and women of all ages below your command, and in your deep dedication to deterrence and stability on the Korean peninsula.”
Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III
The U.S.-Korea alliance is based on widespread passions, Austin explained. It has furnished the stability desired for South Korea to rise from the ashes of the Korean War to come to be one of the leading nations of the planet. “It is really a partnership based mostly on common pursuits and a friendship rooted in frequent values — democracy, liberty, human rights, the rule of regulation,” Austin mentioned. “We have 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 claimed that provided the challenges posed by the routine in Pyongyang, North Korea, and by China, the U.S.-Korea alliance has in no way been far more critical.
The United States has an ironclad determination to South Korea. Austin reiterated that motivation in just one of his initial abroad excursions as defense secretary. The United States is committed to the denuclearization of the peninsula and will continue endeavours to make that a fact, Austin claimed.
COVID-19 intricate the circumstance on the peninsula, and Austin lauded Abrams’ initiatives to include the virus and however keep battle readiness. “Abe did not hold out around for a ton of distinct direction,” Austin mentioned. “He observed what was coming. He expected the crisis. And he took demand early on, well before any individual underneath his command obtained sick. ‘Go difficult, and go early,’ he claimed.”
Abrams speedily raised health and fitness safety amounts and purchased quarantines. “When points bought worse, Abe and his workforce received busier,” the secretary said. “You can say a ton of things, but the figures speak to his good results with extremely couple COVID circumstances located between the extra than 58,000 individuals he is responsible for.”


Only together can we confront any problem and be thriving. And, over the past 31 months, we have experienced our honest share of difficulties. And we have experienced much success.”
Army Gen. Robert B. Abrams
Austin claimed LaCamera has his full assist as LaCamera assumes the obligations of the a few commands. “I know it is not missing 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 stated. “We have fantastic self-confidence in your judgment, in your determination to shield the gentlemen and women of all ages under your command, and in your deep determination to deterrence and stability on the Korean peninsula.”
Abrams stressed that the command’s motto — Katchi kapshida or we go together — is much far more than just a bumper sticker sentiment. “It is who we are. It’s in our DNA,” he reported. “Only together can we facial area any challenge and be thriving. And, around the very last 31 months, we have experienced our good share of troubles. And we have experienced a lot achievements. We reinvigorated our put together training system and place a laser emphasis on our preparedness to ‘fight tonight’ to protect the Republic of Korea. And, if at any time called on all over again, I assure you [the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea] are all set. This is our solemn obligation. Fifty-1 million South Koreans snooze well at night simply because they rely on us, and they know that we are ready.”
