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U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force and Republic of Korea Marines wrapped up the Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.2 at Camp Mujuk, South Korea, on Aug. 8, after a series of bilateral field drills designed to strengthen combined readiness and coordination.
Throughout the exercise, the partnered forces conducted multi-domain training that included combined live-fire ranges, close air support coordination, and complex logistics movements, aimed at improving integration and responsiveness to evolving threats.
“KMEP 26.2 proved that the long-standing alliance between the U.S. and ROK Marine Corps translates directly into operational readiness,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, Commanding General of III MEF. “The practical experience our Marines gained operating alongside our South Korean allies ensures we remain a unified and capable force ready to support regional stability.”
“Building on the interoperability showcased during KMEP 26.1, this second iteration further sharpened the readiness of the Combined Marine Corps and our collective ability to defend the Republic of Korea,” said Maj. Gen. Valerie Jackson, Commander of Marines Forces Korea.
“The successful completion of this exercise demonstrates the mutual trust and tactical proficiency that define our alliance,” said Lt. Gen. Ju Il-seok, commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. “By overcoming these challenging, realistic scenarios, we have significantly advanced our combined combat capabilities.”
Officials said exercises like KMEP 26.2 are intended to ensure both forces can operate side by side in a crisis, maintaining a high state of readiness to defend the Korean Peninsula and reinforce the ROK-U.S. alliance.
