JCS Chairman Inspects Readiness on King Jeongjo-class Destroyer and More: "Responding to North Korean Threats"

Visits to King Jeongjo-class Destroyer, Submarine Command, Jinhae Naval Base, and Naval Special Warfare Flotilla in Succession

On May 15, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Kim Myungsoo visited several Navy sites, including the King Jeongjo-class destroyer, to encourage service members. Chairman Kim stated, "I hope you will conduct thorough force integration training so that we can proactively deter and respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats."

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chairman Kim visited the King Jeongjo-class destroyer, the Submarine Command, the Jinhae Naval Base Command, and the Naval Special Warfare Flotilla in succession on this day to inspect the readiness posture for maritime defense.

First, Chairman Kim visited the King Jeongjo-class destroyer, the lead ship of the KDX-III Batch-II, and was briefed on the progress of force integration. He said, "As a world-class Aegis destroyer equipped with advanced operational capabilities, including ballistic missile defense, I hope you will master the operation of weapon systems and equipment to the highest level and conduct thorough force integration training so that we can proactively deter and respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats."

At the Submarine Command, which he visited next, Chairman Kim was briefed on major key issues and emphasized, "The Submarine Command is a national strategic unit capable of carrying out strategic deterrence missions and striking at the enemy's core. Even in extreme situations, you must maintain unwavering combat determination and operational readiness to completely eliminate the enemy's will to provoke."

Chairman Kim also commended the Submarine Command on the occasion of its 35th anniversary, recognizing their efforts in operating 3.63 million miles, equivalent to about 146 laps around the Earth. He encouraged them by saying, "I hope you will continue to do your utmost to ensure that operations are always conducted with 100% safety guaranteed."

In addition, Chairman Kim received briefings on the base defense posture of the Jinhae Naval Base Command and the operational issues of the Naval Special Warfare Flotilla. He stated, "The Jinhae Naval Base Command plays a key role in protecting the heart and home port of our Navy. You must make every effort to safely protect the Navy's major assets in both peacetime and wartime, ensuring full maritime operational capability." He added, "The Naval Special Warfare Flotilla is a unit that is needed in the most difficult and demanding moments, based on its all-weather operational capabilities. I hope you will contribute to maintaining the public's trust."

Chairman Kim also boarded the Dosan An Changho-class submarine and said, "I could feel your pride and passion for your missions and roles, and I have gained strong confidence that you can accomplish any mission. I thank the captain and all crew members for their dedicated efforts."

Finally, Chairman Kim boarded the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, which was delivered to the Navy last year, and conducted a command flight over the operational area. He emphasized, "I hope you will enhance your professionalism and build teamwork while ensuring safety, so that you can respond promptly to maritime and anti-submarine operations, as well as various contingencies, following force integration."