Army Chemical Battalion returns to 2ID in South Korea

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers take a break during a mission at Camp Stanley, South Korea, on Nov. 9, 2011. Soldiers from 23rd Chemical Battalion and 110th Chemical Battalion from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., participated in the combined U.S. and Republic of Korea exercise, Operation Saber Strike II. The exercise focused on Soldiers being able to detect, identify and defend against; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Antwaun J. Parrish, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)  

UIJEONGBU, 41, SOUTH KOREA

10.05.2012

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division

CAMP RED CLOUD, South Korea - The Department of the Army announced Thursday the relocation of the 23rd Chemical Battalion from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., to Camp Stanley in Uijeongbu, South Korea.

The 23rd Chemical Battalion was previously stationed in the Republic of Korea, but transitioned to the U.S. during a realignment of forces in 2004. This relocation, scheduled to be complete by March 2013, is part of planned enhancements to 2ID and U.S. forces in the Republic of Korea and will bring approximately 300 new soldiers to Camp Stanley.

The 23rd Chemical Battalion’s 61st Chemical Company, 62nd Chemical Company, and Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment will provide nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance, equipment decontamination and consequence management assistance to support U.S. and ROK military forces.

This action supports U.S. Army initiatives involving U.S. forces conducting a sustainable pace of presence operations abroad, reinforces the U.S. Department of Defense’s re-balance to the Asia-Pacific Region and reinforces America’s commitment to the ROK-U.S. Alliance. These activities reinforce deterrence, help build the capacity and competence of U.S., allied, and partner forces for internal and external defense, strengthen alliance cohesion, and increase U.S. influence.

The 23rd Chemical Battalion will be assigned to 2ID, the only permanently forward-stationed division in the Army, and further attached to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team headquartered at Camp Hovey in Dongducheon, South Korea. Relocating the 23rd Chemical Battalion within 2ID is strictly defensive and designed to increase readiness to defend the ROK, protect the region, and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula.

In Korea, like no other place on the globe, the potential for large-scale, full-spectrum conflict against the U.S. and its allies exists on a daily basis. The 23rd Chemical Battalion brings specialized experience and expertise to 2ID in conducting operations to counter chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, and high-yield explosive threats.

“As we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our ROK allies, we are dedicated to ensuring that our soldiers are organized, equipped and trained for any threat they may face,” said Maj. Gen. Edward C. Cardon, commanding general, 2nd Infantry Division.

• Date Taken: 10.05.2012
• Date Posted: 10.05.2012 03:50
• Story ID: 95755
• Location: UIJEONGBU, 41, KR