PYEONGTAEK, South Korea, The new deputy commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) on Tuesday stressed the role of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and its “steadfast” dedication forged in the 1950-53 Korean War as he took office.

Lt. Gen. David R. Iverson made the remark as he replaced Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, the outgoing commander of the U.S. 7th Air Force, in a change-of-command ceremony at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometers south of Seoul.

The commander of the 7th Air Force doubles as the USFK deputy commander.

“The best parts of living here are the intense friendships, the commitment we have to the alliance and the 24/7 focus on the fight tonight mission in order to protect the people of the Republic of Korea and the United States. Our steadfast dedication forged in the shared sacrifice has built a common bond between us,” Iverson said, referring to South Korea by its official name.

At the event, USFK Commander Gen. Paul J. LaCamera also stressed the U.S. troops’ mission in the country to maint
ain the armistice of the 1950-53 Korean War, deter North Korean aggression and to fight if required.

Iverson previously served as the director of the Air and Cyberspace Operations at U.S. Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii. He has served as a fighter jet pilot, flying the F-15.

Pleus will become director of staff at the U.S. Air Force’s headquarters at the Pentagon.

Source: Yonhap News Agency