Naval Academy Cadets Embark on Cruise Training Squadron Voyage to Seven Countries Over 130 Days

Developing Core Competencies Required of Naval Officers

The Naval Cruise Training Squadron, carrying approximately 140 cadets of the 81st class from the Republic of Korea Naval Academy, held a departure ceremony at the Ungpo Auditorium at the Naval Academy in Changwon Special City, South Gyeongsang Province, on September 11, presided over by Vice Admiral Kwak Kwang-seop, Commander of the ROK Fleet. The squadron is embarking on a voyage lasting about 130 days.

This year's cruise training involves a total of about 390 personnel, including crew members, support staff, and temporary segment passengers, as well as the training vessel Hansando (ATH, 4,500 tons).

Navy Cruise Training Squadron Departure (Aerial photography of Hansando ship).
Photo by the Navy

Until January 22 of next year, the Cruise Training Squadron will visit 10 ports in 7 countries—United States (Hawaii, Pensacola, Baltimore, Guam), Guatemala (Puerto Quetzal), Panama (Balboa), Peru (Callao), Chile (Valparaiso), Tahiti (Papeete), and Fiji (Suva). During the mission, cadets will participate in military training and various military diplomacy activities. The Hansando will sail solo for over 27,000 nautical miles (about 50,000 kilometers), more than once around the globe.

During the voyage, cadets will enhance their basic skills required of junior officers through rigorous military drills including battle stations, damage control, equipment practice, operational and tactical training, and comprehensive combat exercises. They will also broaden their international perspective by visiting major military units in the host countries, engaging in military diplomacy activities, and touring historic sites and landmarks.

This year's cruise training aims to strengthen military diplomacy by visiting major countries in the Pacific and South America. At four ports in the United States, including Hawaii and Baltimore, the squadron will contribute to reinforcing the ROK-U.S. alliance by hosting veterans and their families, inviting overseas Korean residents for ship tours, holding a Korean War photo exhibition with images colorized using AI technology, organizing onboard receptions, and participating in local volunteer work.

Additionally, the Cruise Training Squadron will revisit Peru and Chile for the first time in 14 years since 2012. By utilizing the defense industry promotion and exhibition center installed aboard the Hansando, the squadron will actively promote the excellence of "K-Defense" by showcasing equipment and models from South Korean defense companies, and further support the government's defense export initiatives.

The Cruise Training Squadron will also carry out military diplomacy activities to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France (Tahiti), and the 55th anniversary between Korea and Fiji.

Brigadier General Kim Junyeop, commander of the 2026 Naval Cruise Training Squadron, stated, "This year's cruise training was prepared with a focus on three objectives: nurturing elite naval officers, conducting dignified military diplomacy activities, and contributing to the government's K-Defense export support measures. All members of the Cruise Training Squadron, including cadets, will work together as one and faithfully fulfill their assigned duties until they safely return to Jinhae Port."

Naval Academy cadets must continue to develop their core competencies as naval officers, working to enhance the nation’s prestige during their 130-day visit to various countries.

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