Pohang: South Korea and the United States have recently wrapped up a joint naval exercise in the waters near Pohang, aiming to bolster their mine warfare capabilities, as confirmed by South Korea's Navy on Wednesday. The nine-day exercise concluded on Tuesday, featuring a coordinated effort between both nations' naval forces.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the exercise saw the participation of 10 warships and three helicopters from both countries. Notable among the vessels were South Korea's Nampo MLS-II minelayer and the U.S. mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM-10). The training included a series of exercises such as laying, detecting, and removing mines. These activities aimed to familiarize troops with combined operations procedures and enhance their skills in using both manned and unmanned assets for mine warfare.
Capt. Lee Taeg-seon, commander of the South Korean Navy's Mine Squadron 52, emphasized the importance of such practical training. "Through continued practical mine warfare training, we will bolster our capabilities to protect our major ports and maritime transportation routes in the event of a contingency," he stated in a release.
This exercise marks the 10th naval mine warfare drill conducted by the allies since the initiative began in 2014.