Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Tuesday visited the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) and called for a firm readiness posture in a changing security environment, the defense ministry said. During the visit to the CFC based at Camp Humphreys, a key U.S. base in Pyeongtaek located some 60 kilometers south of Seoul, Ahn met with U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, who also doubles as the CFC commander, according to the ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn's visit marked his first on-site inspection of the year, emphasizing the significance of the allies' combined defense posture. He urged for the swift implementation of agreements reached during October summit talks and the annual security meeting by the allies' defense chiefs the following month. The November Security Consultative Meeting between the defense chiefs of the two countries resulted in an agreement to develop a road map aimed at expediting the conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control from Washington to Seoul, a goal South Korea plans to achieve by 2030.
Ahn referred to the CFC as the "heart" of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and stressed the need for an unwavering combat readiness posture in a rapidly changing security environment. "I hope the CFC plays a central role in 2026 for South Korea and the U.S. to bolster their combined defense posture and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," he said. He also delivered a new year's message to South Korean and American troops, expressing gratitude for their efforts in supporting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, the ministry said.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson expressed his honor in hosting Ahn for his first official engagement of the new year and vowed to continue strengthening the allies' combined defense posture. "Together, we will continue to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance to defend the Peninsula and advance peace and stability across the region," Brunson stated. ROK refers to the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name.
Following the visit, the defense ministry clarified that no decision has been made regarding the operation of a U.S. Army squadron in South Korea, which was reported to have been deactivated, citing consultations with the USFK. "South Korea and the U.S. maintain a robust combined defense posture amid a close consultation and coordination system over USFK asset operations," it said in a notice to reporters. This statement came after a recent U.S. Congressional Research Service report indicated that the 5th Air Cavalry Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment (5-17 ACS) at Camp Humphreys ceased operations on Dec. 15. Last week, a Pentagon official stated that no decision had been made on the fate of the U.S. Army squadron, suggesting that the squadron remains active.
The 5-17 ACS is known for its personnel and aviation and reconnaissance assets, including AH-64E Apache helicopters and RQ-7B Shadow drones. It has supported the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea since May 2022.