Seoul: A senior U.S. Pacific Fleet commander expressed his satisfaction with the South Korean Navy's performance during this year's Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). The commander praised South Korea for its expanded leadership role in the multinational drills.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rear Adm. Kim In-ho is serving as RIMPAC's combined maritime component commander. This appointment marks the first time an Asian country and only the fourth nation outside the United States has held this position.
The U.S.-led multinational maritime exercise, which began on June 24 and is scheduled to continue through July 31 in Hawaii, includes participation from more than 25,000 personnel representing 31 countries, including South Korea.
Vice Adm. Jeffrey Jablon, deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, "We are very happy to partner with the Republic of Korea and Rear Adm. In-Ho Kim and his team. I am extremely pleased with their performance."
He further emphasized South Korea's contributions, noting, "The Republic of Korea continues to contribute highly capable and modern platforms that contribute significantly to the exercise and demonstrate the professionalism of the Republic of Korea Navy."
For this year's exercise, South Korea deployed several assets, including the Aegis destroyer Jeongjo the Great, a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and the 3,000-ton submarine Dosan Ahn Chang-ho.
Jablon highlighted the importance of such multinational drills by saying, "As with every participating nation, these forces will train across a wide range of maritime operations, allowing us to improve interoperability, strengthen partnerships and increase our collective readiness."
When questioned about the influence of North Korea's growing military capabilities and China's military activities on RIMPAC, Jablon clarified, "Recent global events and conflicts have had no impact on this RIMPAC."
He asserted that "RIMPAC isn't about any one particular country or sending a message to any one adversary, it's about building the readiness and interoperability we need to operate effectively together, whenever and wherever that's required."