Pyeongtaek: A Pentagon official stated on Friday that no definitive decision has been made regarding the future of a U.S. Army squadron stationed in South Korea, amid reports suggesting its deactivation under a military transformation initiative. This announcement follows a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report indicating that the 5th Air Cavalry Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment (5-17 ACS) at Camp Humphreys, a significant U.S. base located approximately 60 kilometers south of Seoul, halted its operations on December 15.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Pentagon official emphasized, "No decision has been made and we do not comment on pre-decisional force structure matters," in response to inquiries, hinting that the squadron remains operational. The CRS report, which highlighted the unit's potential deactivation, has fueled speculation about the possibility of the Trump administration pursuing a reduction in the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea. This move could be part of a strategic adjustment to more effectively counter perceived threats from an assertive China.

The 5-17 ACS is comprised of several hundred personnel along with aviation and reconnaissance assets, including AH-64E Apache helicopters and RQ-7B Shadow drones. Since May 2022, the squadron has been serving in Korea to support the 2nd Infantry Division, playing a vital role in the region's defense dynamics.