WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Lee Jung-Sup to the Pentagon for the 54th United States (U.S.)-Republic of Korea (ROK) Security Consultative Meeting.

In addition to their meeting at the Pentagon, Secretary Austin and Minister Lee visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. to view the new Wall of Remembrance, unveiled in July 2022, and to pay honors to the service and sacrifice of those who fought and died in defense of the Republic of Korea during the Korean War.

Secretary Austin and Minister Lee also visited Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for a briefing and tour of two U.S. Air Force bomber aircraft -- a B-52 Stratofortress and a B-1 Lancer. U.S. airpower capabilities routinely contribute to the security and stability of the Korean peninsula, and participate in combined air exercises and training with the ROK Air Force. In addition to U.S. land, naval and space forces, U.S. military aircraft and other airpower assets are a vital component of extended deterrence and the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Secretary Austin and Minister Lee reaffirmed that they will closely coordinate to strengthen all U.S. and ROK military capabilities to implement U.S. extended deterrence to effectively and appropriately respond to DPRK nuclear and missile threats. This commitment is built on a 70-year alliance relationship and based on common values and people-to-people ties.