The United States is maintaining a “full readiness posture” to prevent an armed attack on South Korea, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) said Wednesday, as the two allies prepare to hold joint military drills next month.

Adm. Charles Richard made the remarks during his first visit to South Korea since he assumed his position in Nov. 2019, according to Seoul’s Ministry of Defense (MOD).

“The Commander … stressed that USSTRATCOM has a perfect readiness posture regarding the U.S. policy on [providing] extended deterrence to the Republic of Korea, which President Biden reaffirmed during the ROK-U.S. summit meeting