Seoul: A senior U.S. Navy official has described South Korea's role in leading combined maritime forces during a multinational exercise as a "historic leadership milestone," highlighting a core theme of the exercise-shared responsibility.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Vice Adm. Jeffrey Jablon, deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, made the remarks on Wednesday during a virtual press briefing on the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) that started on June 24 and runs through Friday. South Korea served as the commander of the Combined Force Maritime Component during RIMPAC conducted in and around the Hawaiian Islands, marking its status as the first Asian country and the fourth non-U.S. participant to assume the commanding role.
"RIMPAC showcased historic leadership milestones. The Republic of Korea commanded the Combined Force Maritime Component for the first time," Jablon stated, mentioning that Canada, Chile, and Japan also assumed specific leadership positions in the exercise. He emphasized that these leadership roles were operational, with each nation contributing real capability, benefiting the combined force from their leadership.
Jablon further explained that the leadership roles of the participating countries in the exercise reflected "partner capability and shared responsibility." He remarked, "Shared responsibility is a core part of the theme, 'Partners: Integrated and Prepared,' and it strengthens our ability to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific." He noted that the exercise facilitated closer military integration, which enabled clear lines of communication and fostered cooperation to address regional and global challenges.
Joining the briefing was South Korean Rear Adm. Kim In-ho, who served as the Combined Forces Maritime Component commander during the exercise. Kim emphasized that South Korea's Navy continues to enhance its ability to conduct combined operations by being a consistent participant in RIMPAC. "RIMPAC ... gives us a valuable opportunity to further improve our ability to lead and carry out combined maritime operations," Kim said.
South Korea deployed a range of key naval assets to this year's RIMPAC exercise, including the 8,200-ton Aegis-equipped destroyer ROKS Jeongjo the Great (DDG-995), the 3,000-ton submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (SS-083), and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Launched in 1971, RIMPAC aims to enhance cooperation among participating countries in securing sea lines of communication and countering potential security challenges at sea.