The Navy has innovated its non-combat support system to effectively alleviate the operational burden on its personnel and dedicate them solely to combat missions.
Since April, the Navy has been conducting a pilot project to outsource five non-combat missions (such as dredging, land force cable connection, interior and exterior cleaning of vessels, fuel handling and supply, and waste disposal) to the private sector, where a large number of personnel are deployed during vessel entry and exit. This initiative also expands private contracting for ammunition loading and unloading, as well as vessel meal support services, significantly reducing the physical workload on the crew and improving the safety of the ammunition handling process with the support of specialized private contractors.
Through this demonstration project, the sailors have been granted an additional 2-3 days off after their long-term deployment to enter the port. As a result, the sailors have ample time to recharge and fully focus on their combat readiness training and education to maintain their combat readiness.
The Commander of the Naval Shipyard and Ship Equipment Management, Seongdong Naval Base, stated, “We are expanding civilian services for non-combat operations to ensure that the sailors can dedicate themselves to combat missions and have a guaranteed rest, in response to the situation of a shortage of personnel.” He added, “This will not only improve the actual working conditions of the sailors but also create a synergy effect in generating civilian jobs.”