Kuwait city: USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has emphasized the robust alliance between South Korea and the United States as he participated in an exercise conducted by South Korea's Marines in Australia.
According to Kuwait News Agency, brunson observed live-fire drills by the Marine Corps, which were part of the Talisman Sabre exercise. He made a three-day visit to Australia to discuss defense cooperation and review the interoperability outcomes of South Korean and US troops in relation to the multinational drills.
"Observing our ROK Marine ally during this live-fire exercise at Talisman Sabre showcases the strength and readiness of our alliance," Brunson stated, using the acronym ROK for the Republic of Korea.
He added that these complex, combined, joint all-domain training events are crucial for enhancing interoperability and collective defense capabilities.
South Korea's military deployed approximately 840 personnel, including members from the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Army's special operations forces, to participate in the biennial exercise in a northeastern region of Australia, which runs through July 27.
This year's exercise, co-hosted by the US and Australia, involves around 30,000 troops, about 30 vessels, and 70 aircraft from 19 countries, including Britain, France, and Japan.
Approximately 28,500 US soldiers are stationed in South Korea to deter and counter potential threats from North Korea. The two Koreas remain technically at war, as the 1950-53 Korean War concluded with an armistice instead of a peace treaty.