ROK CJCS Visits USSTRATCOM, Discusses Extended Deterrence

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – Republic of Korea (ROK) Army Gen. Lee Sun-Jin, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, visited U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) commander, and other USSTRATCOM senior leaders Oct 11-12 here, to discuss the overall importance of the U.S. and ROK partnership.

Lee visited USSTRATCOM as part of a Chairman’s Counterpart Visit, and received a command orientation on USSTRATCOM’s roles and missions, which include an overall U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the Republic of Korea.

“The United States is committed to our alliance with the Republic of Korea,” Haney said. “It’s a very important alliance for us and we want to have peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the region.”

Hosting Lee's visit is part of USSTRATCOM's continuing effort to build and maintain enduring relationships with partner nations to confront a broad range of global strategic challenges.

“Today, by visiting USSTRATCOM we have confirmed that the United States extended deterrence capability and resolve against North Korea nuclear and missile threat is rock solid,” Lee said.

Lee’s visit to USSTRATCOM builds on Haney’s efforts to further the U.S. and ROK relationship.

“We work very closely with the Republic of Korea military forces. Our alliance is strong, our friendship is strong, and it’s fantastic to have Gen. Lee in Nebraska with me,” Haney said.

Haney previously visited the ROK in June 2015, where he held bilateral meetings with several ROK military leaders. USSTRATCOM has also hosted other ROK military leaders for command orientations similar to Lee’s visit today.

During the visit, Haney and Lee also toured a B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, a B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and interacted with crew members who carry out the command’s global strike and deterrence mission.