New U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson speaks in a change-of-command ceremony held in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Dec. 20, in this photo provided by the Defense Daily. Yonhap

Gen. Xavier Brunson took office as the new commander of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), Friday, vowing a continued commitment to upholding the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which he called a "beacon of stability and strength in an ever-changing world."

Brunson replaced Gen. Paul LaCamera to lead the 28,500-strong American troops in South Korea in a change-of-command ceremony held at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, attended by top officials from both nations, including acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo.

As USFK commander, Brunson also serves as commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) and the U.N. Command (UNC).

The former U.S. First Corps commander underscored the importance of "realistic" joint and combined exercises "to respond to any threat."

"Words alone will not serve as a deterrent," Brunson said during the livestreamed ceremony. "Our actions through tough and complex, bilateral and multilateral training on this peninsula is absolutely essential in our ability to maintain peace, readiness, deter aggression and strengthen our alliance."

As UNC commander, Brunson also vowed to reinforce the command's role as well as cooperation with multinational partners to uphold the values of collective security and a rules-based international order.

"This first reflects the strength of our alliance, the solidarity of our trilateral partnerships and the resilience of our multinational coalition. United, we are stronger and more capable of meeting any challenge," he said, citing a Bible verse that goes: "One may be overpowered. Two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

LaCamera, who is retiring after nearly 44 years of service, noted how South Korea, a nation that stands as a "beacon of freedom and prosperity" holds a "special place" in his heart.

Thanking the CFC over its efforts for readiness during his more than three years of service in South Korea, LaCamera urged the command to maintain such commitment under Brunson's leadership.

"Readiness is perishable ... Continue training daily. Remain vigilant and make sure that 'fight tonight' are not just hollow words," he said, referring to the command's slogan touting combined readiness posture.

Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho, right, hands over the ROK/US Combined Forces Command's flag to new U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson during a change-of-command ceremony held in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Dec. 20, in this photo provided by the Defense Daily. Yonhap

Paparo echoed the call, noting that Brunson is the "right leader" to take the command to the "next level" at a sensitive time in terms of security.

"Given this dangerous security environment with North Korea's increasingly aggressive behavior and our adversaries, transactional symbiosis with the PRC, with Russia, North Korea, the troops have got to be ready to fight tonight," he said referring to China by its formal name.

"You're the right leader for this challenging assignment," he said, stressing that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is "steadfast."

Kim, Seoul's acting defense chief, thanked LaCamera for his efforts to enhance the allies' combined defense posture and implementing the Washington Declaration through military measures.

He expressed hope that the alliance, which has survived challenges over the past seven decades, will continue to strengthen during Brunson's leadership.

"The ROK-U.S. alliance founded on unwavering trust will not sway in the face of any obstacles," Kim said. "I'm confident that the spirit of 'We go together' will continue to thrive not only between our nations but also through Gen. Brunson." (Yonhap)