U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. Leon J. LaPorte and Rear Adm. Fred Byus, who headed the U.S. Navy in Korea for two years, salute the color guard at a change-of-command ceremony on Thursday on Yongsan Garrison. Byus is leaving Korea to become the oceanographer of the Navy. His replacement, Rear Admiral William P. Wisecup, took command Thursday. (Teri Weaver / S&S)
U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. Leon J. LaPorte and Rear Adm. Fred Byus, who headed the U.S. Navy in Korea for two years, salute the color guard at a change-of-command ceremony on Thursday on Yongsan Garrison. Byus is leaving Korea to become the oceanographer of the Navy. His replacement, Rear Admiral William P. Wisecup, took command Thursday. (Teri Weaver / S&S)
Sailors at Yongsan Garrison listen Thursday morning to their new commander, Rear Adm. William P. Wisecup, during a change-of-command ceremony. (Teri Weaver / S&S)
YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea — U.S. Forces Korea welcomed its newest naval component commander, Rear Adm. William P. Wisecup, during a change-of-command ceremony Thursday.
“We welcome his experience and insight as he takes on the command of the United States Naval Forces Korea,” said USFK commander Gen. Leon J. LaPorte as he greeted Wisecup and his family.
The ceremony, under pristine autumn skies, also marked the end of Rear Adm. Fred Byus’ two years as head of U.S. Navy forces on the peninsula.
“Fred Byus has been a huge asset to our combined team,” LaPorte said Thursday during an hourlong ceremony on Knight Field in front of USFK headquarters. “We bid farewell to an outstanding officer.”
LaPorte thanked Byus for his work in improving relations and communications with the South Korean Navy and on an updated plan to speed U.S. naval response time. The general also commended the South Korean Navy for working in the past few years to modernize and better protect its ports and harbors.
Byus thanked his family, his American and South Korean colleagues and his staff for their work in the past two years, saying, “I will keep all of you in my prayers and memories for the rest of my life.”
He and his family are moving to Washington, where he will become the oceanographer for the Navy.
Wisecup most recently was director of the White House situation room. A 1977 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, he commanded Destroyer Squadron 21 in San Diego from 2000 to 2002 and the USS Callaghan from 1995 to 1997.
Wisecup has earned the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He and his wife, Anne, have five children.
