S. Korea's military team to leave for Hawaii to join U.S.-led RIMPAC exercise
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean fleet of warships, maritime aircraft and around 1,000 troops is set to depart for Hawaii on Tuesday to participate in a U.S.-led multinational maritime exercise set to begin late next month, the Navy said.
Led by Rear Adm. An Sang-min, the fleet will leave a naval base on the southern resort island of Jeju to join the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) scheduled to run from June 29 through Aug. 4.
During the exercise, An plans to command the Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) training, marking the first time for South Korea to lead the segment involving amphibious landing operations and other combined security maneuvers.
Aboard the USS Essex amphibious assault ship, An will guide the training where 13 warships from eight countries and around 1,000 Marine personnel from nine countries are expected to take part.
The Korean fleet includes the 14,500-ton Marado amphibious landing ship, the 7,600-ton Sejong the Great destroyer, the 4,400-ton Munmu the Great destroyer, the 1,800-ton Shin Dol-seok submarine, a P-3 maritime surveillance aircraft, two Lynx helicopters and nine amphibious assault vehicles.
The fleet marks South Korea's largest contingent to the RIMPAC since the country first joined the exercise in 1990, according to the officials.
"By successfully completing the given responsibilities, we will enhance capabilities to operate combined forces and execute combined operations, and eventually contribute to strengthening our military readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula," An was quoted as saying.
Launched in 1971, the RIMPAC exercise is designed to enhance cooperation among participating countries in securing sea lines of communication and countering potential security challenges at sea.
South Korea is participating in the event for the 17th time this year.

South Korean military personnel pose for a photo aboard the 14,500-ton Marado amphibious landing ship on May 31, 2022, before their departure for Hawaii to attend the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), in this photo released by the Navy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
BTS' J-Hope tries long hair in photo book to be released this month
-
Yoon's approval rating slips for 3rd week: poll
-
Opposition leader says he will appear again before prosecutors for questioning
-
(LEAD) Opposition leader says he will appear again before prosecutors for questioning
-
Ruling party, gov't mulling expanding heating bill support for middle class
-
(LEAD) Most people masked up on 1st day of lifting of mandate rules
-
DP hits back at Yoon's office over stock manipulation allegations involving first lady
-
Jay Park's Won Soju to be sold in U.S.
-
Japanese teen romance film attracts 1 mln Korean viewers for 1st time in 21 yrs
-
Yoon's approval rating slips for 3rd week: poll
-
(2nd LD) U.S. remains committed to using full range of capabilities to defend S. Korea: Blinken
-
(LEAD) Families of crowd crush victims clash with police over installation of memorial altar
-
Korean American Rep. Young Kim named chair of House Indo-Pacific subcommittee
-
Ex-Ssangbangwool chief indicted for illegally sending millions of dollars to N. Korea
-
(LEAD) U.S. remains committed to using full range of capabilities to defend S. Korea: Blinken