US, ROK Navy start drills off Korea’s coast

U.S. Navy ships centered around the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan began a series of exercises with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy to strengthen maritime interoperability and tactics, techniques and procedures.

The drill started October 10 and will continue until October 15.

“This exercise is yet another example of the strength and resolve of the combined U.S. and the ROK naval force,” said Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander, Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. “The U.S. and the Republic of Korea share one of the strongest alliances in the world and we grow stronger as an alliance because of our routine exercises here in South Korea and the close relationship and ties that we forge from operating at sea together.”

According to the U.S. Navy, the exercises will consist of a routine bilateral training, subject matter expert exchanges, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, communication drills, air defense exercises, counter-mine planning and distinguished visitor embarkations.