"Enhanced Korea's Status" ... Cheonghae Unit 42nd Contingent Daejoyeong Returns to Jinhae After Completing Deployment

Enhancing Korea's Status Through Maritime Security Operations, Safe Navigation Support, and Military Exchange Activities During Deployment

The 42nd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit, aboard the Daejoyeong (DDH-II), completed its 194-day deployment mission and entered Jinhae Base on the 12th, receiving congratulations from fellow comrades and family members.

The Cheonghae Unit reporting their return to Jinhae.

The 42nd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit departed from Jinhae Base on February 1 and, during its deployment, carried out maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden to protect international sea lanes, provided safe navigation support for transiting vessels, and engaged in military exchanges with multinational navies, thereby elevating the status of the Republic of Korea Navy.

First, as part of maritime security operations, the 42nd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit participated in the anti-piracy intensive operation led by the Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), suppressing pirate activities in the Gulf of Aden and strengthening international maritime security cooperation.

In particular, from March 28 to 29, the 42nd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit contributed to the rescue of the Iranian fishing vessel AL KAMBAR, which had been hijacked by pirates in the eastern waters off Somalia, through close cooperation with multinational naval forces and the Indian Navy.

At the time, after receiving information about the hijacking from CTF-151, the 42nd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit tracked the hijacked vessel north of Somalia and handed over the situation to the Somali Maritime Command (CTF-465) under EU NAVFOR, fulfilling its mission.

After the Cheonghae Unit returned to Jinhae, a unit member is holding his daughter in his arms.

Additionally, during the deployment, the 42nd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit maintained close communication with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, providing timely information on suspicious pirate vessels and piracy trends to ships transiting the Gulf of Aden, thereby supporting the safe navigation of approximately 528 vessels, including those under the Korean flag.

Furthermore, the 42nd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit enhanced joint operational capabilities to respond to maritime security threats by activating joint training and tactical discussions with multinational navies such as those of the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and Italy in the Gulf of Aden, as well as conducting anti-piracy operations.

Choi Sunghyuk (Vice Admiral), Commander of the Naval Operations Command, who presided over the welcoming ceremony, stated, "I commend all members of the 42nd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit for completing their mission unwaveringly despite challenging circumstances and for elevating the status of the Republic of Korea Navy. After spending precious time with your beloved families, I hope you will return to your unit and devote yourselves to the defense of our nation's maritime territory, utilizing the operational capabilities and experience gained during deployment."

Kim Jidae (Colonel), commander of the 42nd contingent of the Cheonghae Unit, said, "I would like to express my gratitude to all unit members who quietly performed their duties with pride in protecting our nation's lifeline and maritime routes, despite difficult conditions. Based on the excellent teamwork and spirit honed during the Cheonghae Unit mission, we will continue to devote ourselves to the defense of our nation's maritime territory."