General Xavier Brunson, who is replacing General Paul LaCamera, who has held the position since July 2021, took an oath during the change of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, at 2 p.m.
"I look forward to working alongside each of you as we build upon the legacy of those who came before us and strive to create a future defined by peace and prosperity. Thank you all very much. Under one flag, we go together," Brunson said at the ceremony. "May God bless the United States of America, our partner the Republic of Korea, and the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and guardians of our two great nations."
Brunson, a graduate of Hampton University in Virginia with a degree in political science, was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1990. He has served in various roles across multiple assignments, including infantry and airborne units, and participated in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, South Korea's Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho reaffirmed in a call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday that the strength of the two countries' alliance remains steadfast, regardless of South Korea's current political situation.
Around 28,500 U.S. soldiers are stationed in South Korea, a country that technically remains at war with North Korea.
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