Abrams Relinquishes Korea Commands to LaCamera > U.S. Department of Defense > Defense Department News
Austin spoke remotely for the duration of the improve-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 Combined Forces Command and United Nations Command.


We have fantastic self confidence in your judgment, in your perseverance to secure the males and ladies under 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 popular passions, Austin stated. It has furnished the safety needed for South Korea to rise from the ashes of the Korean War to turn into just one of the leading nations of the environment. “It truly is a partnership based mostly on frequent interests and a friendship rooted in typical values — democracy, liberty, human legal rights, the rule of regulation,” Austin reported. “We have worked shoulder-to-shoulder at sea and in the air and on the ground, defending a fragile peace and deterring the risk of aggression.”
Austin has said that presented the difficulties posed by the routine in Pyongyang, North Korea, and by China, the U.S.-Korea alliance has hardly ever been extra crucial.
The United States has an ironclad motivation to South Korea. Austin reiterated that dedication in one of his 1st overseas trips as defense secretary. The United States is dedicated to the denuclearization of the peninsula and will go on attempts to make that a truth, Austin explained.
COVID-19 complicated the circumstance on the peninsula, and Austin lauded Abrams’ initiatives to include the virus and even now maintain beat readiness. “Abe didn’t hold out all-around for a ton of distinct path,” Austin stated. “He observed what was coming. He predicted the crisis. And he took cost early on, effectively right before any person underneath his command got unwell. ‘Go hard, and go early,’ he claimed.”
Abrams rapidly elevated overall health security ranges and purchased quarantines. “When things got worse, Abe and his team acquired busier,” the secretary claimed. “You can say a whole lot of points, but the numbers communicate to his success with extremely couple of COVID conditions located amongst the extra than 58,000 people he is responsible for.”


Only alongside one another can we facial area any problem and be profitable. And, above the very last 31 months, we have had our good share of worries. And we have had significantly results.”
Army Gen. Robert B. Abrams
Austin explained LaCamera has his total assistance as LaCamera assumes the duties of the 3 commands. “I know it is not missing on you how large the stakes are and how critically important this alliance is to our nationwide security and to that of South Korea,” the secretary explained. “We have fantastic self esteem in your judgment, in your resolve to defend the males and females below your command, and in your deep motivation to deterrence and stability on the Korean peninsula.”
Abrams stressed that the command’s motto — Katchi kapshida or we go together — is far a lot more than just a bumper sticker sentiment. “It is who we are. It really is in our DNA,” he claimed. “Only with each other can we confront any challenge and be prosperous. And, above the final 31 months, we have had our honest share of challenges. And we have experienced a great deal success. We reinvigorated our mixed coaching plan and place a laser emphasis on our preparedness to ‘fight tonight’ to defend the Republic of Korea. And, if at any time termed on all over again, I guarantee you [the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea] are completely ready. This is our solemn obligation. Fifty-a single million South Koreans rest nicely at evening because they believe in us, and they know that we’re completely ready.”
