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Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2013 kicks off

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Thomas Doscher
  • 7AF Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  U.S. military members from around the Pacific descended on bases throughout the Korean Peninsula to participate in Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2013, which officially kicked off Monday morning.

The annual alliance exercise tests the ability of Republic of Korean forces and their allies to work together to deter, and if necessary, defeat a North Korean attack on the country.

Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission observers will monitor the exercise to ensure it is in compliance with the Armistice Agreement. There are seven United Nations Command sending states participating this year: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Norway.

"Ulchi Freedom Guardian is a critical alliance exercise to sustain the readiness of the Republic of Korea, U.S. Forces and the Sending State Forces," said Army Gen. James D. Thurman, commander, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea. "It is based on realistic scenarios and enables us to train on our essential tasks with a whole of government approach."

Speaking to a group of U.S. military augmentees at the Osan AB theater Thursday, Air Force Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, 7th Air Force commander, said they should be ready for an intense exercise and to take away as much as they could from the experience.

"We have a great relationship with our ROK counterparts, so learn as much as you can," he said. "It will be a busy two weeks. Be ready to fight." He went on to talk about the importance Airmen play in the defense of South Korea and the forces deployed there.

"Our mission is to use Airpower to deter aggression, defend the Republic of Korea and should deterrence fail, decisively defeat our adversaries," said Jouas. "Your participation and contributions to the ROK- US Alliance during exercise UFG will help make that happen."

Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian runs until Aug. 30.