I want to congratulate Gen. Vincent Brooks, who will soon be nominated as commander, US Forces Korea; commander, Combined Forces Command; and commander, United Nations Command.
Gen. Brooks has served our military with distinction and has been a pioneer and trailblazer from his first days as an officer. As an operational leader in multiple theaters including the Korean Peninsula, the Balkans, and the Middle East, Gen. Brooks has developed a keen appreciation for the responsibilities of command and the importance of partnerships as a force multiplier. His deep understanding of the needs of our men and women on the ground is complimented by his skills as a communicator and strategic planner, developed during demanding tours at U.S. Central Command and at the Pentagon. And as commander of U.S. Army, Pacific, he has played a critical role in the U.S. rebalance to that critical region.
These experiences will serve him well as he assumes command of U.S. Forces Korea and builds upon the partnerships and alliances which were strengthened under the excellent leadership of Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, who has been nominated to serve as commander of United States European Command (EUCOM) and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe (SACEUR).