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UNC/CFC/USFK Change of Command

  • Published
  • By Staff
  • UNC/CFC/USFK Public Affairs
YONGSAN GARRISON, Seoul, Republic of Korea --  Gen. James D. Thurman assumed command of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea from Gen. Walter L. Sharp today at a 10 a.m. change of command ceremony at Collier Field House here.

Thurman spelled out his priorities for command during the ceremony:

"As your new commander, my priorities are simple and straight forward," he said. "I am committing all of my energy to ensure that the alliance transforms as an enduring deterrence against aggression and, should deterrence fail, as a lethal warfighting force for victory."

Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Kim, Kwan-Jin co-hosted the ceremony, highlighting the strong and longstanding ROK-U.S. Alliance.

"Today our partnership extends all over the world ... making the world a safer place," said Mullen. "Working together, our alliance remains strong, our deterrence remains credible, and our future remains bright."

During the ceremony, Sharp accepted the Joint Meritorious Unit Award from Mullen on behalf of the men and women of USFK for the command's meritorious service. Sharp also received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for his three years in command.

Mullen also presented Sharp's wife, Joanne, with the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award, the department's highest-level public service award, for her work in the community during their tenure in Korea.

The CFC, UNC and USFK flags were transferred during the ceremony between Sharp and Thurman, symbolizing their transition. Defense Minister Kim and Mullen presided over the transfer of the CFC flag, Mullen presided over the transfer of the UNC flag, and Adm. Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, presided over the transfer of the USFK flag.

Thurman is a graduate of East Central Oklahoma University and is a native of Marietta, Okla. He previously served as commanding general U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson in Atlanta. Thurman has served on active duty since 1975, including during Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Kosovo, and several tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

With 37 years of Army service, Sharp will return to the United States and retire later this year.