Readout of Commander, U.S. Pacific Command Adm. Harry Harris’ Meeting with Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo

31 August 2017

From Capt. Cassandra Gesecki

U.S. Pacific Command spokeswoman Marine Capt. Cassandra Gesecki provided the following readout:

On Thursday Aug. 31, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Adm. Harry Harris met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo, at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

Adm. Harris welcomed the Minister’s visit to PACOM ten days after their meeting in Seoul, and praised the ROK-U.S. coordination in response to North Korean missile threats in recent days.

He and Minister Song talked about the grave threat posed by North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, as well as ROK-U.S. coordination measures to effectively respond to provocations on the Korean Peninsula. To protect South Korean citizens and U.S. forces, they discussed the Alliance decision to deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, a purely defensive capability.

Adm. Harris commended the professionalism of Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) personnel involved in yesterday’s training mission that included live-fire weapons drops on the Pilsung Range by ROKAF F-15Ks, U.S. Air Force B-1B strategic bombers, and U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fifth-generation fighters.

He reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty, which states that a North Korean attack on one is an attack on both nations. He emphasized U.S. preparedness to fight tonight if called upon, using a full range of military options in defense of the U.S. homeland and Allies. Adm. Harris encouraged greater trilateral cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and the ROK – a partnership with a purpose to meet the North Korean threat.

Minister Song emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust ROK-U.S. combined defense posture in order to provide support for the diplomatic and economic sanctions and pressure aimed at the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

He mentioned that he feels reassured to witness the strong readiness posture of PACOM, and on behalf of the ROK government, expressed gratitude and encouragement for every PACOM staff member’s dedication and efforts to support peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.

Minister Song stressed the importance of maintaining close communication and dialogue channels among PACOM, ROK JCS and ROK MND at all times, and pledged to maintain and develop the momentum of expanding ROK-U.S. military cooperation.