Page 178 - 2018 Defense White Paper

The two countries achieved strategic

deterrence through the deployment of
strategic assets and the strengthening
of combined exercises under close

coordination in 2017 when the crisis on the
Korean Peninsula was heightened due to
th
North Korea’s 6 nuclear test and the firing
of multiple ballistic missiles.
Combined exercise involving the F-15K, B-1B, and
In 2018, the ROK and the U.S. carefully F-35B aircraft (June 2017)
selected some combined exercises and

training to postpone or to adjust schedule as a part of the conf idence building measures to
facilitate denuclearization and establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula. Amid such
situation, the two countries have been developing complementary measures including the
continued execution of independent and combined exercises that are necessary to maintain the

military readiness posture of the armed forces of the ROK and the U.S.
Meanwhile, in May 2018, the ROK and the U.S. agreed to relocate the CFC, which had

been planned to temporarily remain in the Yongsan Garrison until the completion of wartime
OPCON transition, to the MND compound at an earlier date. The relocation of the CFC to the
MND compound is expected to further strengthen the ROK–U.S. coordination and combined
defense system, facilitate a transition to a new combined defense system following the transition

of wartime OPCON, and accelerate the return of the Yongsan Garrison to the ROK, thus
contributing to the Yongsan Park development project.
The ROK and the U.S. will maintain a robust combined defense system and continue to

enhance the interoperability between the armed forces in all areas including policies, strategies,
and tactics, regardless of the progress of the OPCON transition or the complete denuclearization
and establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula.

3. Ensuring a Stable Stationing Environment for United States
Forces Korea

| United States Forces Korea Base Relocation | To ensure a stable stationing environment

176 Chapter 5 Development of the ROK–U.S. Alliance, and Expansion of Defense Exchanges and Cooperation