[Yang Nak-gyu's Defense Club] USFK Declares Emergency... Why

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]

U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has declared a public health emergency. This is due to the increased likelihood of exposure to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at U.S. military headquarters and facilities in South Korea.

On the 25th, General Robert Abrams, commander of USFK, stated, "The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the global alert level to 'very high,' and the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory banning worldwide travel," adding, "The possibility of exposure to the COVID-19 virus near USFK facilities has increased."

There is also analysis suggesting that General Robert Abrams' declaration of a public health emergency is closely related to the recent consecutive deaths of two soldiers in their 20s at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. This is because the number of asymptomatic infections is increasing worldwide, which may be connected.

According to the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division, on the 22nd, Private First Class Clay Welch (20), a combat medic, was found unconscious in his barracks at Camp Humphreys. Emergency medical personnel who responded declared him dead at the scene, but the U.S. military has not disclosed the exact cause of death. On the 21st, Private Marissa Jo Gloria (25) was also found dead in her accommodation at the Pyeongtaek U.S. military base. A USFK official stated, "Both deaths appear to be unrelated to COVID-19."

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within USFK is 10. The 10th confirmed case is a USFK contract employee working at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek. This confirmed case is a U.S. citizen and is currently isolated in off-base accommodation under the direction of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. It was confirmed that this individual last visited Camp Humphreys on the 20th. So far, among the confirmed COVID-19 cases in USFK, one is a soldier, and the remaining nine are family members and staff related to the military.

It is not only USFK. Three Navy sailors aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier floating in Philippine waters have also tested positive for COVID-19.

On the 24th (local time), U.S. Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly announced at a Department of Defense briefing that three sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) tested positive for COVID-19. Approximately 5,000 personnel are aboard the Roosevelt.

Chief of Naval Operations Michael Gilday stated at the briefing that the Roosevelt last notified a port call about 15 days ago in Da Nang, Vietnam.

The situation is similar at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Following the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), confirmed cases have continued on the Aegis destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) and the littoral combat ship USS Colorado (LCS 4). Consequently, on the 26th of last month (local time), the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command announced via Facebook and Twitter that it is restricting all non-essential personnel from traveling to Korea under its command.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper also stated in an interview with Reuters that all movements of U.S. military personnel returning to the homeland or being deployed overseas will be banned for 60 days to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This order applies to all U.S. military personnel and their families, but some exceptions apply, such as the reduction of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.