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Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek receives a briefing from Gen. Xavier T. Brunson and Gen. Kang Shin-chul at CP TANGO during the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise on August 20. / Source: ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command

Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek visited the wartime command post of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) on August 20 to inspect the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise and reaffirm combined defense readiness.

At the CP TANGO command post, Ahn was briefed on the exercise by Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, CFC, and U.S. Forces Korea, alongside CFC Deputy Commander Gen. Kang Shin-chul.

“This is the first exercise since the launch of the ‘People’s Sovereignty Government,’” Ahn said. “It is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the alliance and reinforce our combined defense posture. I urge Korean and American service members to stand shoulder to shoulder in this exercise and establish a true ‘Fight Tonight’ readiness.”

Ahn also visited the Theater Operations Center, which oversees combined operations, to encourage troops. “The sweat shed by Korean and American soldiers together at this very moment is the driving force that safeguards peace on the Korean Peninsula,” he said. “I ask you to give your utmost until the final day of training.”

Gen. Brunson described UFS as a key defensive drill that “demonstrates the enduring strength of the ROK-U.S. alliance and our firm commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.” He added, “The way we train today determines our ‘Fight Tonight’ capability and deterrence.”