New Commander Takes Over at Camp Casey, South Korea

Also in South Korea, U.S. soldiers held a change of command ceremony at Camp Casey near the demilitarized zone. The command post has the mission to deter any aggression from the North.

A change of command ceremony was held on Tuesday at Camp Casey, near the Demilitarized zone dividing North and South Korea.

At the ceremony, Colonel Thomas Graves relinquished command of the first Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the second Infantry Division to Colonel Ross Davidson, Jr.

The outgoing commander thanked his soldiers at the ceremony.

[Col. Thomas Graves, Outgoing Commander]: (English)
"Commanding them (soldiers of this Brigade Combat Team and their families) has been and will remain one of the pinnacle highlights of my life and I am forever indebted to services of soldiers that you see in front of you."

The incoming commander emphasized that the troops have been stationed to protect security on the Korean peninsula.

[Col. Ross Davidson Jr., Incoming Commander]: (English)
"The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, serves as the armor strikes forces, as you will, for a majority of all the U.S. forces on the peninsular. We have high value in that regard and our armor set is very unique. We have capability to move under armor anywhere on the peninsular anytime time we need to."

The United States announced new sanctions on the North this month, including a freeze on the assets of Pyongyang's leaders, alleging the funds had been acquired through illicit activities. The sanctions also banned travel by some individuals.