On Thursday, Admiral Stephen Koehler, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited South Korea to discuss strengthening the combined defense posture between the South Korean and U.S. navies.
The ROK Naval Operations Command reported that Koehler met with Vice Admiral Choi Sung Hyuk, the Republic of Korea Fleet Commander of the Busan Naval Operations Base. They discussed major security issues and cooperation measures between the two navies.
Both commanders acknowledged that the deployment of U.S. strategic assets and joint exercises this year have played a vital role in ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the surrounding region. They committed to further enhancing training and coordination systems to establish a strong combined defense posture.
They also praised the first-ever Freedom Edge trilateral exercise held this year between South Korea, the United States, and Japan. This exercise demonstrated the three nations’ capability and commitment to deter North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats. Both commands agreed to take a leading role in trilateral security cooperation.
Koehler, in particular, expressed his respect for the ROK Navy’s operational and command capabilities. Their role as Deputy Commander of the Combined Task Force during the RIMPAC exercise in Hawaii demonstrated these capabilities. He also expressed appreciation for the South Korean Navy’s efforts in maritime security cooperation.
Choi remarked, “Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to exchange constructive ideas on enhancing the combined defense posture between our navies. The ROK Naval Operations Command will continue strengthening our collaboration with the U.S. Navy to develop overwhelming capabilities and readiness to respond to any situation.”
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