By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2018 — In recent years, North Korea has
threatened the United States and its allies across the Indo-Pacific region, and
for the past two decades, it's devoted every available resource to developing
nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, Vice President Mike Pence told American
and Japanese troops at Yokota Air Base in Japan yesterday.
The American people, the people of Japan and freedom-loving
people across the wider world long for the day when peace and prosperity
replace Pyongyang's belligerence and brutality, the vice president said.
“Together with our allies and partners, we will continue to strive to
peacefully dismantle North Korea's nuclear program and alleviate the suffering
of its people,” he said.
“And sadly, despite our efforts over the decades, every step
of the way North Korea has answered the overtures of the wider world, and our
two nations with willful deception and broken promises,” Pence noted.
North Korea's continued threats have stirred the United
States to act, he said, “and we will continue to act with vigilance.”
The United States and its allies will continue to intensify
maximum pressure on North Korea until it abandons its nuclear and ballistic
missile programs for good, the vice president said.
Ready For Any Eventuality
“But until that days arrives, let the world know from here
at Yokota Air Base and beyond, we are ready for any eventuality,” he said.
The United States will always seek peace and ever strive for
a better future, Pence said. “But you, the instruments of American power, know,
and let our adversaries know, all options are on the table.”
And the American armed forces and self-defense forces of
Japan will be ready to defend our people and our way of life, he said.
“To any who would threaten our people, our allies know this:
Under this commander-in-chief with the greatest fighting force in the world,
the United States is ready,” the vice president said, “ready to defend our
homeland, defend our allies, anytime, anywhere.”
Let the world know, he added, that we will defeat any
attack, and meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with a response
that is rapid, overwhelming and effective.
“[Today] on behalf of your commander in chief, I urge you:
Be vigilant. Mind your mission. Look after one another,” Pence told the troops.
“And know that the American people and the people of Japan are counting on you
-- each and every one of you -- every hour every day.”
Protecting, Preserving Freedoms
The vice president said that as he looked out across the
hangar where the audience was gathered, he saw men and women, American and
Japanese, who answered the call to put on a uniform to protect their families
and preserve their freedoms.
“The burden you carry is a heavy one, full of uncertainty,”
he said.
“The challenges that lie ahead will demand every ounce of
your courage,” he told them. “But I have confidence that you will confront and
overcome whatever trials may arise.”
For generations, the U.S. has stood guard over the Indo-Pacific
together with its cherished ally, Japan, and it always will, Pence said.
“Today as in ages past, our commitment is unwavering. Your
courage is inspiring, and the spirit of our people is unconquerable,” he said.
“I know freedom will prevail. You will do your duty,” Pence
told them. “We will protect our people, we will defend our freedom, and
together we will forge a future of security, prosperity and peace for both of
our nations for generations to come.”
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