By Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command Post TANGO (CP TANGO) to check the practice status of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) on August 23, the third day of the Korea-U.S. joint exercise, in 23 years and encourage South Korean and U.S. soldiers.

It is the first of its kind in 10 years since former President Park Geun-hye's visit in 2013, and contains the president's intention to curb North Korea's reckless provocations by sending a strong warning message about North Korea's tension-building activities along with the President’s determined will to protect national security.

"Since the establishment of the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command in 1978, CP TANGO has served as a brain in command of the ROK-U.S. military forces," the president said.

Yoon said, "North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles are the most serious threats in existence, and North Korea's provocations such as cyber warfare and psychological warfare are becoming more intelligent and diversified." The president also stressed, "The overwhelming ability of the Korea-U.S. alliance, practical practice and training of South Korean and U.S. soldiers, and solid mental armament are the source of our power to curb North Korea’s provocations and immediately and firmly punish the enemy if she does."

The president said, "This exercise focuses on applying a scenario that reflects North Korea's advanced nuclear and missile capabilities and actually strengthening the crisis management and response capabilities of the Korea-U.S. alliance, assuming a rapid war within a short period of time." 

In addition, about 8,000 South Korean and U.S. soldiers participated in 38 outdoor maneuvers during the exercise, stressing that "only practical exercises and training can further upgrade the strong combined defense posture of the South Korea-U.S. alliance."

Referring to the participation of nine U.N. member countries in this year's exercise, the president stressed that "the U.N. will continue to strengthen its solidarity with U.N. members, focusing on the strong Korea-U.S. alliance."

The president also called for a stronger response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and called for a military-level response plan to increase the implementation of extended deterrence through the Korea-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG). "We need to prepare a strong response posture that combines nuclear and non-nuclear power between South Korea and the U.S.," the president said. "We need to systematically carry out exercises such as Table Top Exercise (TTX) and Command Post Exercise (CPX) in preparation for North Korea's nuclear threat and develop the alliance's response plan."

"At Camp David on Aug. 18, the three countries—South Korea, the U.S. and Japan- decided to further raise the level of cooperation against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," the president said. "The three-way cooperation crystal structure will lower the risk of North Korea's provocation and contribute to freedom, peace, and prosperity of mankind as a whole."

Meanwhile, Paul J. LaCamera, commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, said in a welcoming speech, "We are working closely with the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to respond to the new challenging security factors on the Korean Peninsula." He also said, "I always thank the president for his leadership and generous support."

Following the briefing room, the president monitored all operational situations in the Korean Peninsula's operational area and toured the Theater Operations Center (TOC), which oversees the current operations, to encourage South Korean and U.S. soldiers who are working hard. 

The president, who entered with enthusiastic applause from South Korean and U.S. soldiers, said, "This command situation room is the home of the operation that serves as the brain of our combined forces in wartime and symbolizes the Korea-U.S. alliance." The president also said, "Your duties are very just for not only your country but also for all mankind," adding, "I hope you will do your best until this training is completed with pride."

The president then took commemorative photos with South Korean and U.S. soldiers with the slogan "We go together!" and wrapped up his CP TANGO tour.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop, South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command Paul J. LaCamera, U.S. Combined Forces Command Vice Commander Andrew Harrison attended the spot, while Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Kim Seung-kyum, Ground Forces Commander Jeon Dong-jin, Kim Myung-soo, Commander of the Naval Composition Army, Commander of the Air Force Composition Army Scott L. Pleus, and Commander of the Marine Composition Army James W. Bierman participated by video.

At the presidential office, Cho Tae-yong, head of the National Security Office, Kim Tae-hyo, first deputy director of the National Security Office, Im Jong-deuk, second deputy director of the National Security Office, Kim Eun-hye, senior secretary for public relations, and Lim Ki-hoon, secretary of defense, attended.