United Nations Command (UNC) bid farewell to its Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Stuart Mayer during a ceremony at UNC Headquarters inside US Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, on December 15.

Commander of UNC General Paul J. LaCamera hosted the ceremony, which included Deputy Commander of Combined Forces Command General Kim Seung-kyum, as well as the Commanders of both the US 7th Air Force and US 8th Army.

Vice Admiral Mayer assumed the position of UNC Deputy Commander in July 2019.

General LaCamera recognised the exceptional efforts of Vice Admiral Mayer to reinforce UNC’s mission to the people of South Korea, noting he was the first ADF officer to fulfill the position of Deputy Commander, UNC.

“The mission here at UNC is one of international significance, which means nations send only their very best to United Nations Command,” General LaCamera said.

“Vice Admiral Mayer brought with him 35 years of military experience. His strategic vision and his mastery of diplomatic inter-agency skills made lasting positive impacts.

“Vice Admiral Mayer shaped UNC strategic communication work, led armistice agreement maintenance and revamped UNC’s combined command post training.”

In his farewell address, Vice Admiral Mayer said: “When we look to the traditions of UNC we see a history of which to be proud, and one that should be remembered and honoured as an example of how the world community works, when it works at its best.

“Similarly, when we look to the future and consider UNC we can look ahead with the same mixture of pride and confidence, pride that 70 years after we first committed to the endeavour of restoring peace and security to the peninsula, 17 of those nations remain a part of the command and share an unbroken commitment to peace in Korea.”

Vice Admiral Mayer was awarded the Legion of Merit Degree of Officer, and his wife, Sue Mayer, received a scroll of appreciation recognising her dedicated work and support of UNC families in South Korea.

Vice Admiral Mayer will continue to advocate for United Nations Command on his return to Australia.