[Photo] US Defense Department announces suspension of joint air exercise Vigilant Ace

The US Department of Defense (DoD) announced on Oct. 19 that the upcoming Vigilant Ace joint air exercise has been suspended. The decision to suspend the exercise was jointly approved by South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, the DoD said. The exercise involves US aerial assets in South Korea and Japan as well as the Republic of Korea Air Force. A statement released by Pentagon Spokesperson Dana White said the exercise was suspended “to give the diplomatic process every opportunity to continue,” signaling the US’ willingness to contribute to the atmosphere of inter-Korean peace. The photo shows the Vigilant Ace exercise in December 2017.