Melbourne: U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has highlighted the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance as he attended an exercise conducted by the South's Marines as part of multinational drills under way in Australia, his office said Wednesday. Brunson observed the live-fire drills by the Marine Corps, held as part of the Talisman Sabre exercise, as he made a three-day visit to Australia this week to discuss defense cooperation and review interoperability outcomes for South Korean and U.S. troops in relation to the multinational drills.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the live-fire demonstration by South Korean Marines from the 11th Artillery Battalion, the 1st Tank Battalion, and the 1st Marine Division mobilized the K9 self-propelled howitzer, Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, and K1A2 main battle tank. "Observing our ROK Marine ally during this live-fire exercise at Talisman Sabre showcases the strength and readiness of our alliance," Brunson said, referring to the South by the acronym of its formal name, the Republic of Korea (ROK). "These complex combined, joint all-domain training events are absolutely essential for enhancing our interoperability and collective defense capabilities," he added.

Maj. Gen. Valerie Jackson, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, echoed the assessment. "The participation of leadership from the ROK Marine Corps and USFK at exercise Talisman Sabre truly underscores the strength of our relationships and the shared value that we place on multinational training," Jackson said.

South Korea's military dispatched some 840 personnel, including those from the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Army's special operations forces, to take part in the biennial exercise in a northeastern region of Australia that runs through July 27. Jointly hosted by the United States and Australia, this year's edition of the exercise involves some 30,000 troops, about 30 vessels, and 70 aircraft from 19 countries, including Britain, France, and Japan.