Ulchi Focus Lens kicks off in Korea

  • Published
  • By Maj. Michael Shavers
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) --  Exercise Ulchi Focus Lens '06 kicked off Aug. 21 across the Korean peninsula. UFL, as the exercise is commonly known, takes place each year in the late summer. The command post exercise is designed to provide simulated combined training for U.S. and Korean forces and to strengthen the alliance between the two countries.
 
"These exercises are designed to help teach, coach and mentor younger military personnel while exercising senior leader decision-making capabilities," said Lt. Gen. Garry R. Trexler, 7th Air Force commander and Air Component Command commander. 

"Equally important, they are part of testing and evaluating the most complex, most effective weapon system in the USAF inventory: our air operations center," the general said.

Forces from all branches of the U.S. military and their South Korean counterparts practice working together in an alliance that stretches back to the Korean War. 

This annual training exercise is the 32nd iteration of this series, which began in 1975. Additionally, a small number of U.S. forces deploy to South Korea for this exercise. 

The Combined Forces Command year-round training program is essential to maintaining readiness to defend South Korea against external aggression, according to UFL officials. The exercise also demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the South Korean-U.S. alliance, while enhancing the combat readiness of both forces through combined and joint training. 

At Osan, the most visible part of the exercise comes from providing support to deployed servicemembers in a tent city. The exercise runs through Sept. 1.