General Smith Receives Korean Name 'Suhanul'
from Commandant Ju
The Marine Corps announced that Commandant Ju Il-seok held a coordination meeting on the 27th with General Eric Smith, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to discuss ways to enhance the combined operational capabilities of the ROK-US Marine Corps and strengthen military cooperation.
After conducting a welcoming ceremony at the headquarters plaza, Commandants Ju and Smith discussed cooperation measures between the ROK and US Marine Corps, key partners in the Indo-Pacific region. General Smith, along with commanders of the Marine Forces Pacific (MFP) and Marine Forces Korea (MFK), visited the ROK Marine Corps Headquarters. This marks his first visit to Korea since assuming command of the US Marine Corps in September 2023.
Through their talks, the two commandants exchanged views on strengthening domestic joint training, expanding participation in overseas multinational joint exercises, the future development direction of the ROK Marine Corps, and joint participation in the 2025 International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) and the Marine Corps Development International Symposium?focusing on agendas for mutual advancement of both Marine Corps.
They also discussed detailed cooperation plans such as activating key personnel exchanges, joint operation of ISR assets, and electronic warfare training, based on a shared understanding of the need to expand military diplomatic activities aimed at strengthening regional security.
General Smith stated, “The close military cooperation between the ROK and US Marine Corps, who have fought together for a long time, is being strengthened through various activities such as combined exercises and training,” adding, “The opinions exchanged today will also serve as an important opportunity contributing to security and stability in the region.”
Commandant Ju said, “The Marine Corps is evolving to maximize the mobility, lethality, and responsiveness of a specialized amphibious maneuver force based on a manned-unmanned combined combat system to realize three-dimensional amphibious operations on future battlefields,” and added, “I am confident that through continuous development of the ROK-US Marine Corps relationship, this will be further solidified and contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
Meanwhile, Commandant Ju presented General Smith with the Korean name ‘Suhanul’ (meaning a commander with outstanding leadership, vision, and strong Marine Corps spirit) along with a red name tag.
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