599th Transportation Group participates in annual UFL exercise.

United States Forces from around the world joined together with members of the Republic of Korea (ROK) military Aug. 22-Sept. 2 at Busan, Korea, to participate in the annual Ulchi Focus Lens Exercise (UFL).

The exercise simulates realistic peninsula seaport operations through the use of a Combined Seaport Coordination Center (CSCC).

UFL is considered the world's largest computer simulated exercise, and is conducted by the U.S. Combined Forces Command and South Korea to evaluate and improve joint coordination, procedures, plans and systems that are critical to ensure both readiness and a strong deterrent posture on the peninsula.

Due to the proximity and credibility of threat, the complexity of the Korean Theater of Operations and the high turnover of U.S. and ROK personnel, exercises like UFL are an absolute must.

"UFL is a dynamic exercise in an ever-changing environment. Each year's exercise demands a fresh look," said Col. Kathi Kreklow, the 599th Transportation Group commander and this year's CSCC U.S. co-chair. "From a seaport perspective, there are several new ports under construction on the southern coast of the peninsula that provide tremendous flexibility with 'end-to-end' distribution which includes deployment, redeployment, RSOI, and sustainment. The quality of personnel, the teamwork and camaraderie between ROK and U.S. forces in the CSCC is what makes this exercise such a success."