HONOLULU, HAWAII, UNITED STATES
05.16.2025
Story by Lt.Cmdr. Brendan Trembath
United Nations Command
United Nations Command/U.S. Forces Korea/Combined Forces Command Commander, U.S. Army General Xavier Brunson, delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium and Exposition in Honolulu on May 15, 2024.
Gen. Brunson drew from history, geography, and his unique role commanding three interlinked commands on the Korean Peninsula.
His remarks emphasized the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and underscored UNC's commitment to regional stability and security.
“Deterrence doesn't rest, and neither can we,” Gen. Brunson said.
He said complacency was one of the greatest enemies.
“We must remain steadfast in our commitment, proactive in our preparation, and resolute in the defense of the values we all hold dear," Gen. Brunson said.
While in Hawaii, Gen. Brunson also engaged with the East-West Center, a prominent think tank, to discuss the evolving security landscape and the UNC's role in fostering multilateral cooperation.
Gen. Brunson said deterrence and diplomacy are critical in the mission of maintaining peace in Northeast Asia.
“For over 75 years, something that was begun with a United Nations Security Council resolution has managed to stand, and it’s protected the peace,” Gen. Brunson said in highlighting the importance of UNC in deterring aggression in the region.
His UNC Deputy Canadian Lieutenant General Derek Macaulay, who also travelled to Hawaii, took part in bilateral meetings with military leaders from UNC member states, including Australia, the Philippines, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The bilateral discussions focused on enhancing interoperability, strengthening defense partnerships, and aligning strategic objectives to address shared security challenges in the region.