Pyeongtaek: The new commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea (MARFORK) took office Thursday, vowing to "yield remarkable achievements" based on a partnership grounded on the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Maj. Gen. Valerie Jackson took over command from Maj. Gen. William Souza in a change-of-command ceremony held at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul. The ceremony was attended by Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the U.N. Command (UNC), Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

"Today is more than a ceremonial passing of colors, it is a visible reminder that the joint combined initiative in Korea continues," Brunson said.

Jackson echoed the view, stating, "Our partnership is grounded in strength and is underscored by our commitment to each other, to our shared values and to regional stability. Together, our shared vision will undoubtedly yield remarkable achievements."

Established in 1995, the U.S. Marine Corps service component to the USFK and the UNC oversees the readiness of U.S. Marine Corps forces on the Korean Peninsula. It strengthens interoperability with South Korea's Marine Corps and supports combined and joint exercises.