Navy and Marine Corps Conduct Hoguk Joint Amphibious Exercise in Pohang Area

About 2,400 Personnel Participate
Over 20 Navy Vessels and Other Assets Mobilized

The Navy and Marine Corps announced on November 18 that they have been conducting the 2025 Hoguk Joint Amphibious Exercise in the area of Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, since November 15 to enhance their joint amphibious operation capabilities.

This brigade-level exercise involves approximately 2,400 personnel, with more than 20 naval vessels-including amphibious landing ships, frigates, patrol ships, and mobilized vessels-participating. In addition, 15 Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles (KAAVs) and 6 amphibious maneuver helicopters (MUH-1s) have been deployed. The exercise also includes assets from the Air Force Operations Command (combat and transport aircraft), Army Special Warfare Command, the Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Command, and the Drone Operations Command.

During the exercise period, the Navy and Marine Corps are also conducting various logistics support drills in conjunction with the Joint Sustained Support Exercise. These include emergency resupply operations using amphibious maneuver helicopters, the use of drones for transporting military supplies, and maritime transshipment of equipment and materials.

Colonel Cho Sangkuk, Commander of the Navy’s 53rd Amphibious Squadron under the 5th Mine/Amphibious Flotilla, stated, "Through this exercise, the Navy and Marine Corps have become a true One-Team, mastering joint amphibious operation procedures. It has been a valuable opportunity to further strengthen our ability to conduct joint amphibious operations starting from the sea, based on interoperability."

Colonel Chae Sehun, Commander of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Marine Division, said, "Through this joint amphibious exercise, we have improved our ability to carry out amphibious operation missions and further enhanced our joint force operational capabilities. We will continue to maintain the readiness and ability to respond to missions anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstances."