A senior U.S. Pacific Fleet commander expressed strong satisfaction with the South Korean Navy's performance during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), highlighting Seoul's growing leadership role in the multinational drills.
The positive assessment from a senior U.S. commander underscores the strengthening military alliance between the U.S. and South Korea and highlights South Korea's increasing prominence in multinational security operations.
Vice Adm. Jeffrey Jablon, deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, expressed high satisfaction with the South Korean Navy's performance during the ongoing Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). He specifically commended Rear Adm. Kim In-ho, who is serving as the combined maritime component commander for RIMPAC, noting that South Korea is the first Asian nation and fourth country overall outside the U.S. to hold this significant post.
Jablon stated, "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 added that "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."
South Korea's contributions to the exercise include the Aegis destroyer Jeongjo the Great, a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and the 3,000-ton submarine Dosan Ahn Chang-ho. Jablon emphasized that these forces, along with those from other participating nations, will train across a broad spectrum of maritime operations to enhance interoperability, strengthen partnerships, and boost collective readiness.
Addressing concerns about North Korea's military advancements and China's military activities, Jablon clarified that "Recent global events and conflicts have had no impact on this RIMPAC." He reiterated that the exercise's purpose is not to target any specific country or send a message to adversaries, but rather to build the necessary readiness and interoperability for effective joint operations whenever and wherever required.