US Carrier Strike Group Commander: "Freedom Edge Signifies Enhancement of South Korea-US Relations"

"Planned Training Is Not a Message to North Korea or Russia"

Christopher Alexander, commander (Brigadier General) of the U.S. 9th Carrier Strike Group, stated that the Freedom Edge exercise is part of the ongoing enhancement of the 70-year-long Korea-U.S. relationship.

On the 22nd, Commander Alexander made these remarks during an open event for the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt at the Busan Naval Operations Base. The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Busan that morning to participate in Freedom Edge, which is being held for the first time this year.

Freedom Edge refers to a multi-domain military exercise involving South Korea, the United States, and Japan. It is a regular exercise conducted across multiple domains including maritime, underwater, air, and cyber, going beyond traditional domain distinctions to align with modern warfare trends. Freedom Edge is scheduled to take place at the end of this month.

Commander Alexander explained that this Freedom Edge exercise has three objectives. He said, "First, to improve tactical capabilities; second, to enhance interoperability; and finally, to develop the ability to respond to any potential issues or unexpected situations that may arise in the region."

He also stated that this exercise is not intended as a message regarding the recent unprecedented close cooperation between North Korea and Russia amid rising security concerns. Commander Alexander said, "The exercise was planned several months ago and is a routine, regular training event. It is not meant as a message to North Korea or Russia, nor is it a response to their alliance."

Meanwhile, the aircraft carrier open event was conducted in a limited manner due to heavy rain in the Busan area. The flight deck, lined with various combat aircraft, was not open to the public for safety reasons, and only the second hangar, which houses some F-18 fighter jets, the E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, and various helicopters, was accessible.