Naval Academy Midshipmen Embark on 130-Day Training Cruise Across 7 Countries

Hansando to Sail 50,000 Kilometers—More Than a Full Lap Around the Earth

The 81st class of midshipmen from the Korea Naval Academy will embark on a training cruise, visiting 10 ports across 7 countries over approximately 130 days. They will board the training ship Hansando (ATH·4500t class) and navigate solo until January 22 of next year. The Hansando's total voyage distance is approximately 27,000 nautical miles, or 50,000 kilometers, which exceeds one lap around the Earth.

According to the Navy on September 11, a departure ceremony for the ‘2026 Naval Cruise Training Squadron’ will be held at Ungpo Auditorium of the Korea Naval Academy in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, presided over by Admiral Gwak Gwangseob, Commander of the Naval Operations Command. This year's cruise training includes approximately 140 members of the 81st class of the academy, as well as crew members, support staff, and additional personnel, totaling around 390 participants.

The cruise training squadron will visit 10 ports in 7 countries, including Hawaii, Pensacola, Baltimore, and Guam in the United States, Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala, Balboa in Panama, Callao in Peru, Valparaiso in Chile, Papeete in Tahiti, and Suva in Fiji.

Boarding the training ship Hansando (ATH·4500t class), it will navigate solo until January 22 next year. The total voyage distance of the Hansando is approximately 27,000 nautical miles, 50,000 km, which exceeds one lap around the Earth. Photo by the Navy

The Navy cruise training is an educational program in which midshipmen who are about to be commissioned acquire practical competencies necessary for naval officers through long-distance navigation, life aboard ship, and various military exercises. At the same time, it serves as a platform for military diplomacy by visiting major ports around the world and exchanging with the navies of other countries. Notably, for the first time in the history of the cruise training, the squadron will call at Pensacola in the United States this year. Pensacola is home to major bases such as the U.S. Naval Education and Training Command, and exchange activities between the Korean and U.S. navies are planned.

During the voyage, the cadets will conduct battle stations drills, damage control training, equipment operation programs, operational and tactical exercises, and comprehensive battle training, thereby acquiring the fundamental mission capabilities required as junior officers. They also plan to broaden their international perspective by visiting major bases and historic sites in the countries visited. In U.S. stops such as Hawaii and Baltimore, Korean War veterans, their families, and local Koreans will be invited aboard the ship. In addition, a Korean War photo exhibition—with colors restored using artificial intelligence (AI) technology—a reception on board, and local volunteer activities will be held.

The cruise training squadron will visit Peru and Chile for the first time in 14 years since 2012. In the defense industry promotion exhibition hall aboard the Hansando, equipment and models from Korean defense companies will be displayed to promote the ‘K-Defense’ industry and to support the government's defense export activities. In French Polynesia (Tahiti) and Fiji, the cadets will conduct military diplomacy activities to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Fiji, respectively. Cultural performances such as K-pop concerts, Korean traditional percussion performances, and Taekwondo demonstrations will also take place at each port of call.

Cruise Training Squadron Commander Kim Junyeop stated, "This year’s cruise training has been prepared with a focus on three key objectives: nurturing elite naval officers, conducting dignified military diplomacy, and contributing to the government’s support for K-Defense exports. We will carry out all assigned missions faithfully until we return safely to Jinhae Port."

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