JPAC SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SOUTH KOREAN COUNTERPART
HICKAM AFB, HAWAII – The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification (MAKRI) concluded a two-day meeting on Tuesday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that enhances the cooperation and exchange of information between the two agencies.
The MOU will strengthen joint collaboration on all investigation and recovery operations in South Korea.
“MAKRI members will be invited to accompany us on our missions in South Korea at any time, and we will be invited to accompany them on their missions to recover missing Koreans,” said Rear Adm. Donna Crisp, JPAC Commander.
This open exchange will aid both organizations in gathering case information and locating witnesses that may have knowledge of burial sites containing the remains of those individuals still unaccounted for, she added.
The document also establishes a joint forensic review process following recovery missions by either organization or when remains are unilaterally turned over. Such a process was established to validate the country of military service for recovered remains.
In addition, the MOU establishes a formal program between the two agencies to periodically exchange scientific information in an effort to maintain best practices in investigation and recovery techniques and methods.
“JPAC is grateful for the support and commitment of our friends in MAKRI,” Crisp said.
“Just as U.S. and Korean soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder during the war, we stand together in this mission to bring honor to those that paid the greatest sacrifice,” she added.
This message was sent by: JPAC, 310 Worchester Ave, Bldg 45, Hickam, HI 96853
