ROK-US Navy Joint Maritime Exercise off the East Coast

Nine US and ROK Warships Including US Cruiser Mobilized

The South Korean and U.S. navies conducted joint maritime exercises in the East Sea, including anti-submarine warfare and naval gunnery drills.

According to the Navy on the 25th, this exercise was planned to enhance the combined operational capabilities and interoperability of the ROK-U.S. forces amid the escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, such as its recent claims of space launch vehicle launches and the launching of new submarines.

The exercise involved nine ROK-U.S. naval vessels, including the ROK Navy Aegis destroyer ROKS Yulgok Yi I, destroyer ROKS Dae Jo-yeong, two submarines, the U.S. Navy cruiser USS Robert Smalls, and the Aegis destroyer USS Shoup, along with two maritime patrol aircraft.

Commander Kim In-ho of the 7th Mobile Flotilla, who led the ROK Navy, stated, "This exercise served as an opportunity for the ROK and U.S. navies to effectively deter and respond to North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats and to further solidify the combined defense posture." He added, "Going forward, both navies will continue to strengthen their combined operational capabilities based on the strong ROK-U.S. alliance and firmly respond to any provocations from North Korea."

The ROK-U.S. joint maritime exercise, which began on the 25th, will continue until the 27th.