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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, some 60 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 17, 2022. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
defense minister-US squadron
Defense minister says deactivation of U.S. Army unit in S. Korea unlikely related to potential troop cut
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Jan. 2 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Friday said the recent deactivation of a U.S. Army squadron in South Korea is likely part of a service-wide transformation initiative, dismissing concerns the move may be linked to a potential drawdown of American troops stationed here.
Ahn's remarks came after a U.S. congressional report showed 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 its operation on Dec. 15.
The deactivation of the unit tasked with a reconnaissance mission in South Korea reignited concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration could seek a ground troop reduction of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) as part of an adjustment to better counter threats from an assertive China.
"There seems to be many changes under way within the U.S. Army as part of a reform drive, which affect not only the respective unit," Ahn told defense press corps reporters, mentioning what he called changing warfare paradigms.
"An array of prior consultations are mandated in regards to USFK (issues), so this seems to be an issue of a different area," Ahn said. While declining to provide further details, the defense chief said he will make sure the issue does not affect the South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture.
Ahn said he will discuss the issue during an upcoming visit to Camp Humphreys next week.
5-17 ACS was activated in 2022, taking over the role of what had been rotational air cavalry squadrons to provide more stability to U.S. defense operations and enhance defense readiness in South Korea.
The unit 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 is unclear whether the deactivation means the pullout of the unit's personnel and assets or whether there will be a replacement unit.
Alongside 5-17 ACS, air cavalry squadrons in Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Drum, New York; Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were also deactivated on Dec. 15, according to the U.S. report.
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