Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

22nd Cheonghae unit set on the course of the Gulf of Aden

5th dispatch of Munmu the Great, “devoted to complete antipiracy mission”

“Dad, bon voyage!” “Take care, my sons!”

“Boooooooooong”

On August 18, 11:30 am, the 22nd Cheonghae unit, Munmu the Great (DDH-II) departed from Busan operating base, sounding the rousing boat horn.

Major naval commanders including Navy Chief of Staff Jung Ho-sub, Commander of Naval Operations Lee Ki-sik, and other sailors as well as their families gathered to give them a hearty send-off, waved their hands as Munmu the Great moved farther away, standing still at the quay.

Actor Kim Jung-min, who recently appeared on ‘Real Men’ with the sailors of Munmu the Great, attracted attention among the people were there to see them off.

An energetic march was performed by the Marine band to send a wish for successful mission completion to the sailors who will be protecting our merchant ships in its anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, far away.

The send-off continued until the vessel was out of the sight, seeing its 5th deployment off after the 1st, 8th, 12th and 16th.

Prior to this, Navy Chief of Staff Jung, during a farewell ceremony held at main hall of the naval operations command that started at 11 o’clock in the morning, said, “It is very important to have a close cooperation system with all the operators involved in international maritime security to successfully carry out our antipiracy fight. All sailors of Cheonghae unit, please be fully prepared to engage in a range of military and diplomatic activities, and do your best for your mission, moving away from all past evil customs and practices.”

The 22nd Cheonghae unit consists of approximately 300 soldiers, including Captain Kim Ki-hwan, commanding officer, sailors of the Munmu the Great, commandos (UDT/SEAL), soldiers operating maritime operation helicopters (LYNX) and Marines.

Notably, 41 soldiers who make up over 1/7 of the total headcount, had previous experience of being dispatched. Their experiences are expected to make a great contribution to the perfect mission completion of the 22nd Cheunghae unit.

Munmu the Great will call at Sattahip harbor in Thailand at the end of the month and arrive in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in early September. And then, it will carry out the mission until next February.

From Busan = By Seok-Jong, Lee < seokjong@dema.mil.kr >
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