Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

The Korean and the U.S. Navies strengthened their combined mission capability through intensive training in the East Sea and West Sea.

As part of Foal Eagle exercise, both navies developed maritime action exercises in the East on March 12, and exercise in the West Sea finished one day earlier.

Both conducted a tactical maneuver training in the eastern coast of a naval port in Donghae on March 12. The 7,600-ton class Aegis destroyer(DDG), the Great Sejong Ham, 9,200-ton class Laseen, 3,200-ton class destroyer(DDH-I), the Great Gwang Gae To Ham, and a Lynx took part in this training.

Meanwhile, for the training performed on the sea off Taean, Chungnam, from March 8 to 11, around 20 naval vessels of both navies, including the Seoae Ryu Seong Ryong Ham and the John S McCain, maritime patrol aircraft(P-3C), Lynx, etc., were deployed. 

A 3,000-ton class LCS (Littoral Combat Ship), the Fort Worth, was especially eye-catching as it participated in the Korea-U.S. combined training for the first time. Its waterjet engine makes it possible to conduct missions even in shallow waters. It is also equipped with 57mm naval guns and ship-to-air missiles. Furthermore, it can operate antiship, antiaircraft, and antisubmarine warfare, mine sweeping operations, etc., with two mounted Seahawk helicopters, MH-60, and one unmanned helicopter, MQ-8. 

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

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