Brunson New Commander of US Forces Korea Inauguration Ceremony on the 20th

Amid growing concerns that North Korea may provoke during South Korea's political vacuum, the change of command ceremony for the Commander of United States Forces Korea (USFK) will be held on the 20th.

Patrick Ryder, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, stated in a briefing on the 19th (local time), "Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo plans to preside over the ceremony tomorrow (20th) where General Paul LaCamera will transfer command authority of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea to General Jay B. Brunson."

Spokesperson Ryder said, "On behalf of Secretary of Defense Austin and the entire Department of Defense, I want to express gratitude for General LaCamera's leadership and lifelong service to the nation, and pay respect to the incoming General Brunson." He also emphasized, "As I have already stated, our commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance is ironclad."

Earlier, President Joe Biden nominated General Brunson as the Commander of United States Forces Korea in September, and the Senate confirmed the appointment in the same month. The Commander of United States Forces Korea concurrently serves as the Commander of the United Nations Command and the Combined Forces Command.