Over 350 Cadets from the 80th Class Complete 105-Day Voyage,
Visiting 10 Ports in 9 Countries Before Returning to Jinhae on the 18th
Intensive Military Training and Global Leadership Development
Strengthen Junior Officer Competencies
On December 18, 2025, the Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Squadron returned to Jinhae Naval Base after completing its 105-day cruise training mission.
The arrival welcome ceremony, presided over by Operations Commander Lieutenant General Kim Kyungryul, was attended by members of the Cruise Training Squadron, naval cadets, and their families.
At the 2025 Cruise Training Squadron Arrival Welcome Ceremony, soldiers and crew members of the Hansando Ship are saluting the attending officer, Navy Operations Commander Lieutenant General Kim Kyungryul.
This year's cruise training, marking the 80th anniversary of the Navy's founding, involved 137 cadets from the 80th class of the Naval Academy, more than 350 crew members, and the 4,500-ton training ship Hansando (ATH-81). Notably, the Hansando sailed the entire route of the cruise training alone for the first time, demonstrating its excellent educational support capabilities and long-range ocean navigation ability.
Departing from Jinhae Port on September 5, the Cruise Training Squadron visited 10 ports in 9 countries over 105 days, starting with Guam (United States), then Hawaii (United States), Auckland (New Zealand), Sydney (Australia), Surabaya (Indonesia), Klang (Malaysia), Changi (Singapore), Bangkok (Thailand), Da Nang (Vietnam), and Manila (Philippines). With this, the Navy's cruise training, which has continued every year without interruption since 1954, completed its 72nd journey.
During the voyage, the cadets developed the necessary skills to perform their duties as junior officers through intensive military training, including battle stations, damage control, equipment practice, operational and tactical exercises, comprehensive combat training, and joint cooperation drills with the navies of the countries visited.
Additionally, by visiting major military units and government agencies in the host countries, attending special lectures by key commanders and dignitaries, touring historic sites, and participating in friendship exchanges with local cadets, they cultivated global leadership and an international perspective.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, the Cruise Training Squadron visited countries that participated in the war, including the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines. They expressed gratitude and respect to the heroes who defended Korea's freedom and peace through events such as inviting veterans to thank-you ceremonies, volunteering at local veterans' facilities, paying tribute at national cemeteries and memorials, and holding Korean War photo exhibitions.
Furthermore, through onboard receptions and customized cultural performances at each port of call, the squadron promoted Korea's proud culture and strengthened friendship with host countries. By holding open-ship events for the Hansando, the latest domestically built training ship, and operating a defense industry promotion exhibition, they showcased various equipment produced by domestic defense companies and supported the government's K-defense exports.
Brigadier General Hong Sangyong, Commander of the Cruise Training Squadron, stated, "It is especially meaningful to successfully complete the final training before commissioning for the 80th class of cadets in this significant year marking the Navy's 80th anniversary. Although the 105-day voyage has ended, we will continue our strong journey toward becoming the Navy and Marine Corps that guarantees victory for the people, based on the lessons learned from this training."
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