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| ▲ This file photo from the Pentagon's Defense Visual Information Distribution Service shows the activation of the 5th Air Cavalry Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, at Camp Humphreys, a key U.S. base in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 17, 2022. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Pentagon-squadron deactivation
Pentagon says no decision made on fate of Korea-based Army squadron reported to have been deactivated
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 (Yonhap) -- A Pentagon official said Friday that no decision has been made on the fate of a U.S. Army squadron in South Korea, which was reported to have been deactivated as part of a military transformation initiative.
The remarks came after a recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report said that the 5th Air Cavalry Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment (5-17 ACS) at Camp Humphreys, a key U.S. base in Pyeongtaek, some 60 kilometers south of Seoul, ceased operations on Dec. 15.
"No decision has been made and we do not comment on pre-decisional force structure matters," the official said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency, apparently indicating that the squadron is still active.
The CRS report on the unit's deactivation added to speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration could seek a ground troop reduction of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea as part of an adjustment to better counter threats from an assertive China.
5-17 ACS is known to have had hundreds of personnel, as well as aviation and reconnaissance assets, including AH-64E Apache helicopters and RQ-7B Shadow drones. It has served in Korea to support the 2nd Infantry Division since May 2022.
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