General Sharp takes command of UNC/CFC/USFK

Published June 4, 2008
By Kenneth Fidler
USAG-Yongsan

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- Gen. Walter L. Sharp assumed command of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea June 3, saying the U.S.-Republic of Korea Alliance will stay "flexible and powerful enough" to deal with any potential threats in the region.

"The ROK-U.S. Alliance is one of the most enduring in the world and remains the cornerstone of peace and stability in Northeast Asia," General Sharp said in his remarks after assuming command. "I look forward to the next chapter of this alliance as we continue to increase our capabilities and strengthen our partnership."

General Sharp succeeded Gen. B.B. Bell, who took command in February 2006. General Bell is retiring after 39 years of Army service.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates presented General Bell with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for his tenure as commander. He also presented General Bell's wife, Katie, with the Joint Distinguished Public Service Award.

"As he leaves Korea, General Bell leaves a USFK that continues to be ready to fight and prevail in any contest in this peninsula in support of our South Korean ally," Secretary Gates said.

Secretary Gates also praised General Bell for advancing the transition of operational control of Korean forces to the ROK military by 2012 and by promoting positive interaction between U.S. servicemembers and Korean citizens through the Good Neighbor Program.

"Katie and I have had the most marvelous experience working and living in this great nation ... and spending such memorable times with all the special people who became such as important part of our lives," General Bell said. "We will always remember our time here with smiles on our faces and warmth and affection in our hearts."

General Bell described the U.S.-ROK relationship as "an enduring ally, a trusted friend.

"The ROK is a dynamic country with one of the largest economies in the world. Its people are highly educated and proud of all they've achieved throughout their storied history. Korea has assumed its rightful place among the community of first world nations."

He also praised the efforts of both nations to their commitment to transferring operational control of ROK forces from the CFC to the future ROK Joint Forces Command in 2012.
General Sharp, coming to Korea from a tour as director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, said he will focus on maintaining readiness to deter aggression, strengthening the alliance and continuing to improve quality of life for servicemembers and families.
"This alliance will continue to increase in capabilities for regional and global peace and stability," General Sharp said.

"The United States and Republic of Korea will continue to develop and deploy the most modern weapon systems, continue to leverage rigorous training and exercise programs, and continue to adjust command relationships to take advantage of the tremendous leadership, organizational and weapons capabilities of the ROK and U.S. armed forces," he said.

Implementing longer, command-sponsored tours is another goal of the new commander, a program seeded by General Bell.

"Our goal is to rapidly reach the point when all U.S. servicemembers can bring their families to Korea ..." General Sharp said. "The ROK is a great place to train and live. We will focus on safety, facilities and housing, schools and health care, jobs for spouses, a strong Good Neighbor Program, and access to our families back in the U.S.

"Working together, we can make the Republic of Korea the station of choice for U.S. servicemembers and their families," General Sharp said.

Top Korean and U.S. defense officials who attended the ceremony included ROK Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen, and Pacific Command Commander Adm. Timothy Keating.