Korean Navy Commands 30-Nation Exercise, Gains Recognition from U.S. Pacific Fleet

Korean Navy Assumes Commander Role at RIMPAC for the First Time

Rear Admiral Kim Inho, Commander of the Naval Mobile Fleet, who serves as the Combined Fleet Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) at the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), is seen discussing maritime operations with the combined staff at the Maritime Operations Center (MOC) in the Pacific Battle Command on the 7th (local time). Photo by the Navy

Our Navy commander has received praise from the U.S. Pacific Fleet. For the first time this year, Korea assumed the role of Maritime Component Commander during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), the world's largest multinational maritime exercise—a step that recognizes Korea’s leadership in maritime strategy.

According to the Navy, this year’s RIMPAC exercise, which has been taking place from June 24 to July 31, featured a significant deployment of the Korean Navy's most advanced assets, including the 8,200-ton Aegis destroyer King Jeongjo, the 3,000-ton submarine Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, and the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. This is the fourth time in RIMPAC’s history that a country other than the United States has led the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander position—Korea is the first Asian nation to do so.

Jeffrey Jablon, Commander of the Combined Task Force (Lieutenant General and Deputy Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet), oversaw this year’s RIMPAC exercise and held a virtual press conference with South Korea, the U.S., and Japan at the conclusion of the drill. During this meeting, he noted that Korea had served as the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander, calling it a "historic milestone in leadership." He added, "I believe the Republic of Korea Navy has successfully fulfilled all responsibilities and expectations placed upon it."

Rear Admiral Kim Inho, who served as the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander, stated during the virtual press conference, "Through our participation in RIMPAC, the Republic of Korea Navy continues to strengthen its ability to conduct combined operations," adding that his role as maritime strategy commander has been a valuable opportunity for enhancing the capabilities of the Korean Navy.

Meanwhile, China has criticized RIMPAC as a “training exercise to surround China.” Just before this year’s exercise, China attempted to check the participants by publicly releasing footage for the first time of a launch of its DF-17 hypersonic missile. In response, Lieutenant General Jablon stated, "RIMPAC is not an exercise designed to send a signal to any specific country. Its purpose is to enhance the readiness of all participating nations." The United States has consistently maintained that RIMPAC is not aimed at China, but is intended to strengthen combined operational capabilities among allies and partners for Pacific security.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.