U.S. Strategic Command Commander Assures Asia-Pacific Partners

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander, returned from his trip to enhance relations with key security partners in the Asia-Pacific region, June 26.

While in the region, Haney met with senior leaders from U.S. Pacific Command, U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Forces Japan. He also held bilateral engagements with the Republic of Korea’s Joint Chief of Staff chairman, Japan’s Minister of Defense and Joint Staff chief of staff, as well as other host-nation leaders to discuss topics of mutual interest, including strategic deterrence, space and cyber.

“Japan and the Republic of Korea are two of our staunch allies, and our alliance here is very important to the strategic stability in the region,” Haney said. “When one looks at the threats in this region, particularly the threat North Korea brings, it highlights the importance of this alliance even more so than in the past.

“The work we do together, trilaterally, is important because of the combined capability that we bring, particularly when you look at what we do together in missile defense,” said Haney.

The trip is part of USSTRATCOM’s continuing effort to build and maintain enduring relationships with partner nations and other combatant commands to confront the broad range of global strategic challenges.

“U.S. Strategic Command has global missions in support of other combatant commands and supported by other combatant commands,” Haney said. “When looking at the Asia-Pacific region, USSTRATCOM synchronizes our plans and operations with USPACOM in working toward strategic stability in the region. This synchronization is important given the threats that exist here today.”

Haney is particularly familiar with the region having previously commanded the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet and made a point to recognize the men and women who perform the mission day in and day out.

“Throughout my travels on this trip, one can’t help but notice the professional men and women, both in and out of uniform, that work very hard in this dynamic and challenging environment,” Haney said. “I leave here in awe and so proud of the all-volunteer force that’s working this hard. I salute each and every one of them.”