ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command Marks 48 Years of Combined Defense

Official Statements

• U.S. Forces Korea, November 8: “CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) commemorated its 48th anniversary during a ceremony Nov. 6, 2026, at Camp Humphreys, recognizing nearly five decades of combined defense, military cooperation and commitment to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

  Established Nov. 7, 1978, CFC integrates the military capabilities of the Republic of Korea and the United States to deter aggression and maintain a strong combined defense posture. For 48 years, the command has served as a cornerstone of the ROK-U.S. alliance, strengthening interoperability, enhancing readiness, and reinforcing the shared commitment to defending the Republic of Korea.

  Hosted by Gen. Kim Sung-min, CFC deputy commander, the ceremony brought together senior military leaders from both nations and CFC service members to honor the command's history, recognize outstanding personnel, and reaffirm its enduring mission.

  The ceremony featured the national anthems of both nations, an invocation, a historical overview of the command, congratulatory messages, commemorative remarks, and an awards presentation recognizing personnel for their contributions to the combined mission.

  In a prerecorded message, Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, emphasized the importance of the command's legacy and the continued strength of the alliance.

  “For 48 years, CFC has turned our nations’ commitment into a force ready to defend our homelands,” Brunson said. “Our combined readiness is built on trust and the demanding work of learning, training, and serving together.”

  Kim reinforced the importance of maintaining a strong combined defense posture and building upon the command's 48-year legacy of cooperation and shared responsibility.

  "Throughout the 48-year path of the CFC, we have continuously enhanced our 'Fight Tonight' readiness and relentlessly strengthened our interoperability.” Gen. Kim said. “Enabling the deep-rooted ROK-US alliance to protect peace and establish a foundation for prosperity on the Korean Peninsula is the promise we have kept, and to continue into the future."

  Guided by its principles of "Commitment, Alliance and Honor," CFC remains dedicated to strengthening combined readiness, deterring aggression, and defending the Republic of Korea.

  As the command enters its 49th year, its mission remains unchanged: maintaining a ready, capable, and unified combined force committed to preserving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”