Chief of Naval Operations Meets Commander of US Navy 7th Fleet to Discuss Combined Defense Posture

Chief of Naval Operations Lee Jong-ho and Commander of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Carl Thomas
[Photo by Navy]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Admiral Lee Jong-ho, Chief of Naval Operations, discussed the joint defense posture with Admiral Karl Thomas, Commander of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet.

According to the Navy on the 9th, Admiral Lee visited the U.S. 7th Fleet Headquarters in Yokosuka, Japan, and met with Commander Thomas to discuss the defense posture of the navies of both countries.

On this day, the two navies agreed to further strengthen maritime security cooperation to effectively deter North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile threats, activate personnel exchanges between ROK-U.S. commanders and staff, and enhance technical cooperation for the establishment of combined manned and unmanned maritime systems.

They also evaluated the outcomes of this August's Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) joint exercise, the visit of the U.S. carrier strike group in September-October, and the joint maritime maneuver exercises, discussing ways to improve joint operational capabilities.

Admiral Lee stated, "As the security situation on the Korean Peninsula has become critical due to North Korea's ongoing provocations, let us work together to further solidify the strong joint defense posture and close military cooperation that have been maintained between our navies."

The U.S. 7th Fleet operates under the Pacific Fleet, overseeing the Western Pacific, and is composed of the U.S. Navy forces stationed in South Korea and Japan.