New U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Commander Xavier Brunson Takes Command, Strengthening Alliance

Xavier Brunson was inaugurated as the new commander of the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command (CFC) on December 20.

The CFC held a change-of-command ceremony at Barker Field in Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, marking the transition from outgoing commander Paul LaCamera to Brunson. More than 500 attendees, including Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho, Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, members of South Korea’s National Assembly Defense Committee, ambassadors from the UN Sending States, military personnel, and other dignitaries, attended the event.

In his congratulatory speech, Acting Minister Kim stated, “For over 70 years, the U.S.-South Korea Alliance has overcome changing security environments and various crises under the spirit of We Go Together. This promise is forged in blood and an unbreakable symbol of brotherhood for the universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.”

Kim further emphasized, “The U.S.-South Korea Alliance, built on solid trust, will not falter under any circumstances. I am confident that both nations, General Brunson and the CFC personnel, will continue to uphold these values.”

During the ceremony, Brunson received the CFC flag from Acting Minister Kim and the United Nations Command and United States Forces Korea flags from Admiral Paparo. As commander, Brunson will oversee the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command, the United Nations Command, and United States Forces Korea.

Commissioned in 1990, General Brunson has served as a commander at every level of the U.S. Army over his 34-year career, including Deputy Commander of the 10th Mountain Division, Chief of Staff of the XVIII Airborne Corps, and Commander of I Corps. He has been deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, successfully leading joint coalition task force operations in Iraq.

In his inaugural speech, Brunson emphasized that the U.S.-South Korea Alliance is a beacon of safety and strength in an ever-changing world. He also highlighted the importance of addressing today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s uncertainties.

He also noted that strong deterrence and a shared commitment to peace and stability cannot be achieved through words alone, stressing the irreplaceable value of practical joint and combined exercises to ensure that forces are ready to respond to any threat.

Outgoing Commander Paul LaCamera, who assumed command in July 2021 and led the combined defense posture on the Korean Peninsula for 41 months, concluded his 39-year military career with the ceremony, which also served as his retirement event.