Invincible Spirit Exercise (Sharp Point # 20-10)

  • Published
  • By Gen. Walter Sharp
  • United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea commander
YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea --  1. The Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense and the United States Secretary of Defense announced this week that from 25-28 July, our two nations will conduct a Joint maritime and air readiness exercise named "Invincible Spirit". This is the first in a series of combined ROK-U.S. air and naval exercises to be held off the east and west coasts of Korea.

2. These defensive, combined training exercises are designed to send a clear message to North Korea that its aggressive behavior must stop, and that the ROK and U.S. are committed to enhancing our combined defensive capabilities. Invincible Spirit will include the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON aircraft carrier, the ROK Naval Ship Dokdo, and approximately 200 ROK, U.S. Air Force and Navy fixed wing aircraft, to include the F-22 Raptor. Invincible Spirit, along with its follow-on exercises, will enhance the readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance's naval and air forces, while improving cooperation and interoperability between our forces and increasing the Alliance's capability to deter, and if deterrence fails, defeat North Korean provocations.

3. I want to thank the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Department of Defense Civilians of United States Forces Korea for your selflessness, vigilance and hard work in the aftermath of the unprovoked North Korean attack on the ROK Naval Ship Cheonan. More than any weapon system, it is your teamwork, training, and devotion to duty that deters North Korean aggression. I also want to thank you for successfully planning and resourcing a large exercise like Invincible Spirit on such short notice. Your achievement lets our adversaries and their leadership know that we are an agile, adaptive force capable of taking on any challenge.

4. I also want to reassure our families that the Republic of Korea remains a safe place to work, live, and raise your children. Your safety is our paramount concern. The ROK - U.S. Alliance has successfully deterred aggression on the Korean Peninsula for 57 years. We will continue to fulfill this mission and provide you with the housing, schools, and other facilities that help build strong families and make Korea the forward-deployed station of choice. I, my Commanders and my staff stand ready to address any of your concerns and to help make your stay in Korea a rewarding one.

5. We Go Together!