From left to right, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas, Republic of Korea Lt. Gen. Ho-Yeon Lee, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John Wissler and Republic of Korea Maj. Gen. Sang-Hoon Lee discuss Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2013, Aug. 26. Wissler is aboard the USS Blue Ridge in his role as commander of the Combined Marine Component Command, Combined Forces Command (Wartime), for the exercise. The CMCC incorporates Marine Corps and selected naval forces of the U.S. and the Republic of Korea, as well as sending states’ amphibious forces, under one organization established in the event of a crisis on the Korean peninsula. Other service members with III MEF are participating in UFG from multiple locations across Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as sending states, including a French battalion Landing team cell. UFG is carried out in support of the Republic of Korea and U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty signed on Oct. 1, 1953. This exercise furthers military training and enhances the Republic of Korea military’s abilities to take the lead of the combined defense of the Republic of Korea in 2015. Thomas is the commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, Ho-Yeon Lee is the commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, Wissler is the commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Sang-Hoon Lee is the assistant commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.