Gen. Brunson Thanks Japan's Defense Minister for Support to UNC-Rear

Official Statements

• United Nations Command, November 9: “TOKYO, Japan — Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, met with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo on Nov. 5 to thank Japan for its continued support to UNC-Rear and to reaffirm the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

  U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass and Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, chief of Japan's Joint Staff, joined the courtesy call.

  "Readiness depends on access, sustainment, and committed partners," Brunson said. "In Tokyo, I met with Minister Koizumi and thanked him for Japan's continued support to UNC-Rear."

  UNC-Rear, headquartered at Yokota Air Base, operates from seven designated bases in Japan. Those installations give UNC Member States a path to move forces and supplies in support of the Korean Peninsula.

  "The UNC bases in Japan provide the access and sustainment that help keep UNC ready to uphold the Armistice in Korea," Brunson said.

  The general also used the meeting to reaffirm U.S. commitment to the region.

  "I reaffirmed our commitment to regional security and the U.S.-Japan Alliance," he said, adding that he is "grateful for Minister Koizumi's partnership."

  The Japanese Ministry of Defense said the two leaders confirmed the importance of further strengthening defense cooperation among allies and like-minded countries for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

  The Tokyo meeting opened a three-day trip by Brunson to Japan that also included visits to Okinawa.”