POHANG, SOUTH KOREA -- U.S. Marines and Sailors from 1st Marine Division, based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, deployed to the Republic of Korea on March 2 to participate in Exercise Freedom Shield 25.
This annual, defense-oriented exercise strengthens the ROK-U.S. alliance, enhances combined defense capabilities, and improves security on the Korean Peninsula. The exercise runs from March 10 to 20, providing U.S. and Korean service members an opportunity to deepen their understanding of joint warfare and conduct command post operations to validate their capabilities. This marks the third consecutive year that 1st MARDIV’s headquarters has deployed to Korea for the exercise.
“It’s inspiring to see Marines from the United States and the Republic of Korea working side by side under the shared name of ‘1st Marine Division,’” said Maj. Gen. Thomas B. Savage, the commanding general of 1st MARDIV. “Together, we have the opportunity to tackle challenges as a unified team and demonstrate the strength of our alliance.”
1st MARDIV’s participation in Freedom Shield 25 highlights the long-standing partnership with the Republic of Korea that dates to the 1950s, when U.S. and ROK service members fought together during the Korean War. Both divisions will deploy and operate from a combined forward command post, having conducted extensive planning and wargaming to integrate their staffs and refine procedures.
From the landing at Inchon to the battle at Chosin Reservoir, the ROK-U.S. alliance has become one of the strongest in the world, serving as the cornerstone of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. After the exercise concludes, both divisions will continue working together to strengthen their alliance and promote peace in the region.