"The US Space Force officially activated and assigned US Space Forces – Korea to the US Forces Korea [USFK] sub-unified command in a ceremony Dec. 14. Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion assumed command of the new SPACEFOR-KOR, a subordinate unit to US Space Forces – Indo-Pacific, whose mission is to further synchronize space operations in the US Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility," the statement read.
The launch of the unit illustrates US commitment to strengthening security in the Indo-Pacific region and tightening Washington-Seoul defense cooperation, the USFK Commander added.
The US Space Force activated its first foreign command as North Korea steps up missile launches.
SPACEFOR-KOR will provide space planning and employment expertise, as well as space command and control to the USFK commander, it added.
SPACEFOR-KOR will focus, among other missions, on missile warning operations, which provides in-theater near-real-time detection and warning of ballistic missile launches, the statement added.
"The activation here today of U.S. Space Forces Korea ... enhances our ability to defend the homeland, and should ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia," the US Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera said during the launching ceremony, as quoted by South Korean news agency.
USFK chief Gen. Paul LaCamera, who presided over the ceremony, expressed confidence that the activation of the new command will enhance the US' ability to defend its homeland and maintain peace and stability in the region.
According to the Korean media, the ceremony was also attended by US Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg, South Korea-US Combined Forces Command Deputy Commander Gen. Ahn Byung-seok and Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander of the US Space Forces Indo-Pacific.
In mid-September, following a meeting of the bilateral Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, the US and South Korea agreed to strengthen response capabilities and continue to cooperate also in the space and cyber areas. The countries pledged to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including through bilateral military drills and multilateral cooperation with partners in the region.