70th Anniversary of the ROK-US Alliance, Strengthening Cooperation Between ROK-US Submarine Forces

Richard Ship, Commander of the 7th Submarine Squadron, U.S.

Visit to the Navy Submarine Command on the 25th-26th

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Song Jong-gu] Marking the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance, the Republic of Korea Navy Submarine Command and the US 7th Fleet Submarine Squadron (CTF-74) reaffirmed the strong mutual cooperation between the two countries' submarine forces.

On the morning of the 25th, Lieutenant General Lee Soo-yeol, Commander of the Submarine Command, held in-depth discussions with Brigadier General Richard E. Seif, Commander of the US 7th Fleet Submarine Squadron, who visited the Submarine Command, regarding the development direction of submarine operations between the two countries' submarine forces and procedures for conducting theater anti-submarine warfare. They also discussed ways to enhance joint operational capabilities and strengthen exchange cooperation between the two forces.

At the Submarine Command Headquarters, Submarine Commander Lee Soo-yeol and Richard Schiff (third from the left in the front row), commander of the U.S. 7th Submarine Squadron, along with South Korean and U.S. submarine unit personnel, are taking a commemorative photo. [Image provided by Submarine Command]

That afternoon, the commanders of the two countries' submarine forces jointly visited the Submarine Command's command and control room and the comprehensive submarine training center. They introduced Brigadier General Richard Seif to the current status of submarine operations and training facilities, providing an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding of the submarine operational capabilities and education and training of both countries.

Commander Lee said, "On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance, the Submarine Command and the US 7th Fleet Submarine Squadron have established a seamless cooperation system, playing a key role in strongly supporting regional security and the combined defense posture." He added, "Let us further strengthen mutual cooperation between the two forces to overwhelmingly enhance joint operational capabilities and anti-submarine warfare execution capabilities."

Brigadier General Richard Seif, Commander of the US 7th Fleet Submarine Squadron, said, "I am very pleased to have the opportunity to engage in exchange and cooperation with our ally, the Republic of Korea Navy Submarine Command. Through this meeting, I was impressed to confirm the excellent underwater operational capabilities of the Republic of Korea Navy's submarine forces." He continued, "The Korea-US alliance has maintained an ironclad partnership for the past 70 years, and going forward, the submarine forces of both countries will continue to work together to ensure regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

Brigadier General Richard Seif is scheduled to visit the Special Warfare Command's Naval Rescue Unit, the Submarine Repair Facility, and the Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine (3,000-ton class) on the 26th to further enhance mutual understanding of the submarine rescue capabilities, submarine maintenance capabilities, and submarine operational capabilities of the two countries' submarine forces.