Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Republic of Korea Navy launches new naval frigate

At the launch ceremony of the new frigate named “Seoul,” 

 which features advanced navigation equipment and combat systems based on homegrown technologies,Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo stressed the need for more powerful naval capabilities:　“We should build a smart Navy to take the lead in changing future battlefields”

On November 11, Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo stressed the need for more powerful naval capabilities and to push ahead with building a “smart Navy” in order to maintain the maritime order and to take the lead in changing future battlefields, while marking the 74th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy.

Jeong made the announcement at the launch ceremony of the 2800-ton new FFG (Guided Missile Frigate) named “Seoul,” which took place at the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan later in the day. He attended the ceremony as principal guest. 

“Carrying on a proud history in the ROK Navy, the Seoul frigate has been reborn into one of the most capable battleships,” Jeong said. “I ask the Navy solders to build up the Seoul frigate, which is equipped with advanced navigation equipment and combat systems, into the most powerful and the safest ship by performing thorough combat readiness and live environment training.”

“With the recent increase in supranational and non-military threats, uncertainties in regional maritime security situations have continued due to feuds over maritime jurisdiction and freedom of navigation. Under these circumstances, we should secure more powerful naval capabilities in order to open up a better future while maintaining the maritime order,” Jeong added.

“We should build a smart Navy to take the lead in changing future battlefields while preparing against new type of threats that will emerge in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Jeong also said, stressing that “our navy will firmly protect our national security and maritime sovereignty by perfectly carrying out all missions in seas surrounding the Korean Peninsula and the world.

” Celebrating the launch of the new frigate, the ceremony was attended by major military commanders including Chief of Naval Operations Sim Seung-seob, Director of Program Management Agency of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration Kang Eun-ho, CEO of Hyundai Heavy Industries Han Young-seuk, former captains of destroyers and frigates named Seoul, and officials from Seoul City and defense industries.

In keeping with a naval tradition, the ceremony started with an opening address and was followed by a pledge of allegiance to the nation, a progress report, announcement of the ship’s name, commemorative remarks, a congratulatory address, launching, and a ritual for safe navigation (breaking a bottle of champagne). Chief of Naval Operations Sim announced the ship type “Frigate,” its name “Seoul” and its hull number “821” via the Certificate of Naming No. 483.

Since Queen Victoria presided over a ceremony to launch a warship in the early nineteenth century, it has been tradition to have a woman cut the ribbon at a launch ceremony. Ms. Kim Young-sook, wife of the principal guest Minister Jeong, cut the ribbon at the ceremony on Monday. The gesture is one that suggests putting vitality into a newly-built ship, like cutting the umbilical cord of a baby. After Minister Jeong and his wife cut the five-colored ribbons with a pair of scissors, the ceremony was finished with a ritual for safe navigation by smashing a bottle of champagne into the hull.

The Seoul frigate is the third ship of the Ulsan-class (Batch-II) to replace the 1500-ton class FF (Frigate) and the 1000-ton class PCC (Patrol Combat Corvette), which are currently operated by the ROK Navy. It will be delivered to the Navy in early 2021 after a trial evaluation, and will be deployed to fleet operations after the successful completion of the force integration process.

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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