Navy, Wang Geon Ship of Cheonghae Unit 43rd Contingent Departs for Overseas Deployment Mission

Troops Prepared Through Previous Deployment Experience and Intensive Training Pledge to Complete Their 8th Mission

The Navy held a departure ceremony for the 43rd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit aboard the Wang Geon (DDH-II) at the Jinhae Naval Base on the morning of the 20th, presided over by Chief of Naval Operations Yang Yongmo.

Cheonghae Unit Wanggeon Ship Dispatch Departure Ceremony.

The Wang Geon, which will carry out its mission as the 43rd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit, is being deployed overseas for the eighth time since it began its mission as the 5th contingent of the Cheonghae Unit in 2010.

The 43rd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit is composed of the crew of the Wang Geon, a boarding and search team made up of special forces personnel (UDT/SEAL), an aviation unit operating the maritime operations helicopter (LYNX), and a security and support unit consisting of Marine Corps personnel as well as medical and maintenance staff.

During the deployment, the 43rd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit will escort Korean vessels safely in the waters of the Gulf of Aden, supporting national policy with strength.

During the preparation period, the 43rd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit conducted intensive, realistic training to enhance their teamwork and combat readiness, including maritime exercises to master anti-piracy operations and procedures for rescuing ships and crew, as well as damage control drills to ensure the survivability of the vessel, simulating every possible scenario that could occur during the deployment.

In addition, the 43rd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit focused on establishing a spirit of certain victory through commander-led tactical discussions and mindset alignment training, instilling pride and a strong sense of responsibility as the vanguard of national interests in a grave security environment, so that all members could participate in the mission together.

Notably, among the 43rd contingent, about 55 members, or 20% of the total, are veterans with previous Cheonghae Unit deployment experience. These individuals, who have once again volunteered for deployment to fulfill the mission of the armed forces, are expected to share their vivid experiences with the entire unit, carrying on the Cheonghae Unit's tradition of victory in battle and protection of the people.

Chief of Naval Operations Yang Yongmo, who presided over the send-off ceremony, stated, "The Cheonghae Unit carries out its mission not only on behalf of our Navy but also as a representative of the Republic of Korea. You are the Cheonghae Unit, and the Cheonghae Unit is Korea. Let us protect the prosperity of our nation and people and contribute to world peace."

Colonel Choi Jongsu, commander of the 43rd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit, expressed his determination, saying, "As the Cheonghae Unit is a symbol of the Navy's will to protect the seas and represents the Republic of Korea, all members will complete the assigned mission of 'protecting the lives and property of the people' based on strong camaraderie."