Ulchi Dragon Lift Exercise
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I recently had
the opportunity to visit the Ajou University Trauma Center in Suwon to observe
the Ulchi Dragon Lift Exercise. This was
part of the annual U.S.-ROK joint military exercises known as Ulchi Freedom
Guardian, designed to rehearse the cooperation of U.S. and South Korean defense
forces and to maintain combined force readiness.
Meeting troops at the Ajou University
Trauma Center in Suwon
After arriving,
I was able to speak with the hospital staff and learn about the specifics of
the exercise and the Ajou University Trauma Center’s role in it. It was really great to get a tour of their state-of-the-art
facilities and to see them in use to care for U.S. service members who were brought
in for treatment during this mock exercise. Soldiers arrived by train and by helicopter,
and I was able to meet many of them. Some
were even going to be staying there overnight.
I received an
informative briefing from Trauma Center Chief Lee Cook-Jong. In 2011, Dr. Lee was head of the team that
saved the life of South Korean freighter captain Seok Hae-kyun, who was shot after
his boat was seized by Somali pirates.
While speaking
with the Ajou University Hospital president, Mr. Yoo Hee-suk, I was informed that
the hospital’s Trauma Center was modeled after U.S. Navy hospitals in San Diego
and elsewhere. All of the hospital staff
were very knowledgeable and experienced, with many coming from both military
and civilian backgrounds. I was really
impressed by the outstanding level of cooperation between our two countries at
the hospital, and I am really proud of everyone who participated in this important
exercise.
