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UFG16: Thousands gather for annual joint/combined command, control exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kasey Phipps
  • 7th Air Force Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  

Uniforms of varied colors and patterns funnel through the turnstile gates of the Korean Air and Space Operations Center here to kick off Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2016, the world’s largest simulation-supported command post exercise, Aug. 22 - Sept. 4, 2016.

The annual command and control exercise is conducted at U.S. Combined Forces Command and Republic of Korea military installations throughout the Korean peninsula and enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of the ROK and U.S. supporting forces.

“The greatest value of this training event to me is the strengthening of the alliance,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Walter Sams, deputy commander Air Force Forces.  “This alliance has been together for more than 60 years, and it’s stronger now than it ever has been. It’s because of events like this that make this alliance one of the strongest in the world.”

Approximately 2,500 U.S. military personnel from U.S. military and Department of Defense installations as well as representatives from nine United Nations Sending States augment the U.S. forces already stationed in the ROK.

“The value of working with so many countries is truly immeasurable,” said Air Force Maj. Paul Keddell, Air Command Component lead exercise planner for UFG16.  “The exercise allows us to work hand-in-hand with each of the nine sending states.  It affords us an opportunity to expand on preexisting relationships and continue to build new relationships.”

The approximately 25,000-strong U.S. force joins ROK government and military personnel to create a realistic, multinational and multiservice training environment in which to focus on the defense, protection and maintenance of stability in the region.

“I am enormously proud of all military members on this peninsula,” said Sams.  “The cooperation between the ROK and U.S. Airmen in order to get the job done is better than anything I’ve seen.”