Navy Participates in Multinational Joint Exercise "Pacific Partnership"

First Female Commander Leads the Training Unit for the First Time
First Participation in Military Band, Chaplain, and Women, Peace, Security (WPS) Activities

The Republic of Korea Navy Pacific Partnership Training Unit (hereinafter referred to as the "Training Unit") set sail from the Jinhae Naval Base in South Gyeongsang Province on July 13, heading to Lae Port in Papua New Guinea to participate in the multinational joint exercise, the 2025 Pacific Partnership.

Participated in the 2025 Pacific Partnership training.

The Pacific Partnership exercise, which began in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, is a humanitarian joint exercise conducted annually under the leadership of the United States Pacific Fleet Command to enhance the international community's capacity for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

This year's exercise will take place in Papua New Guinea from July 26 to August 8, with the participation of seven countries, including Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. During the exercise, the Training Unit will participate in engineering and medical training, as well as engage in social contribution activities such as military band and chaplain services.

Since 2007, the Navy has participated in the exercise focusing on medical and engineering fields. This year, more than 170 personnel will take part, including those from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps specializing in medical, engineering, military band, and chaplain services, as well as the Ilchulbong (LST-II, 4,900-ton class) ship.

The Pacific Partnership Training Unit plans to strengthen maritime security cooperation with the navies of participating countries through engineering and medical training, as well as Korea-U.S. combined cooperation training, and to further enhance joint disaster response capabilities.

The Pacific Partnership training unit is seen setting sail.

Notably, this year marks the first time the Training Unit will participate in social contribution activities such as military band performances, chaplain services, and Women, Peace, Security (WPS) initiatives. In addition, Korean and U.S. commanders will deliver keynote speeches together at the Pacific Partnership Women's Expo, promoting exchanges with participating countries and the local Korean community.

During the exercise, the Training Unit will also visit local elementary schools to repair facilities and carry out humanitarian support activities such as maintaining local parks. They will provide medical and health services, meal support, and environmental cleanup activities for local residents.

Furthermore, the Training Unit plans to promote the excellence of naval vessels built in Korea and enhance military cooperation among participating countries through military exchange activities such as onboard receptions and Korea-U.S. mutual exchanges.

Lieutenant Colonel Lim Ji-hye, commander of the Pacific Partnership Training Unit, stated, "This exercise is a valuable opportunity to strengthen our capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster response together with multinational forces. We will do our utmost in our assigned missions, including engineering and medical training and social contribution activities through chaplain and military band services, to elevate the stature of the Republic of Korea Navy."