Brunson and STRATCOM discuss stronger nuclear deterrence in Northeast Asia

Gen. Xavier T. Brunson visited U.S. Strategic Command headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 11 for talks focused on strengthening strategic deterrence in Northeast Asia through closer collaboration across commands in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The engagements underscored USSTRATCOM’s role in maintaining global strategic deterrence in defense of the U.S. homeland and allies such as the Republic of Korea. Brunson discussed how the missions of U.S. Forces Korea and USSTRATCOM connect through conventional-nuclear integration and the planning and operation of joint and combined conventional and nuclear forces.

“Context is king, and the realities of the threat environment demand that we bring our full spectrum of capabilities to bear. Modernizing our strategic triad is critical, but true extended deterrence requires integrating our conventional and nuclear planning across the combined and joint force,” Brunson said. “We cannot just talk about integration; we have to build the combat power to execute it, because there is no substitute for being ready.”

Meeting with Adm. Rich Correll, commander of USSTRATCOM, Brunson addressed conventional-nuclear integration directly. Correll emphasized the importance of the U.S. Forces Korea partnership to delivering integrated options for the Joint Force.

“In today’s complex, multi-polar nuclear environment, effective deterrence demands the seamless integration of conventional and nuclear capabilities,” Correll said. “Our close partnership with USFK enables us to provide, with the Joint Force, the broadest array of options to shape strategic outcomes.”

Brunson highlighted the success of USFK’s J10 Joint Directorate, established in 2025 as a command-driven adaptation to the ROK-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group and U.S. doctrinal changes to conventional-nuclear integration. Joined in Omaha by the director of J10, he discussed ways to deepen the directorate’s connectivity with USSTRATCOM to ensure the U.S. commitment to extended deterrence is tangible on the Korean Peninsula.

The visit also provided a forum to exchange views on nuclear modernization and force adaptation aligned with the secretary of war’s direction and National Defense Strategy priorities. Brunson toured USSTRATCOM’s Global Operations Center as part of efforts to better integrate U.S. Forces Korea capabilities to and from the Korean Peninsula.

The series of engagements highlighted shared lines of effort between USSTRATCOM and U.S. Forces Korea that align with core National Defense Strategy priorities, including deterring nuclear-armed adversaries, strengthening the network of allies and partners, and defending the homeland from a forward theater position.