The South Korean Navy held a send-off ceremony on the afternoon of May 15 at the Busan Operational Base for the departure of ROKS Wang Geon (DDH 978) for the Cheonghae Unit (Somalia Waters Escort Task.)
During the deployment period, Wang Geon will participate in international efforts to ensure maritime safety and counter terrorism by providing safe escort for vessels and support for safe navigation in the waters around the Aden Gulf off Somalia. In times of emergency, it will protect our nationals, participate in maritime security operations under the Combined Maritime Forces and EU Naval Force Somalia commands, and support national policy.
Navy Chief of Staff Kim Kyung-ryul stated, “The Cheonghae Unit is a living history symbolizing the Republic of Korea’s strong naval power,” and urged, “Engrave in your hearts that the place where you stand is the front line defending the Republic of Korea and its people, and unite as one to accomplish your mission.”
Cheonghae Unit 48th Rotation Commander Ahn Woo-jin (Colonel) pledged his determination, saying, “The entire crew of the Cheonghae Unit 48th Rotation will unite as One Team to fulfill the mission entrusted by the nation and its people.”
The Cheonghae Unit, which began with the deployment of the Munmu the Great 1st Rotation in March 2009, has escorted over 2,400 vessels, including Korean ships, and supported the safe navigation of over 39,000 vessels over the 17 years since its establishment.
Additionally, the Cheonghae Unit has accomplished its missions as an “elite navy protecting the people” in operations such as the 2011 Dawn Operation in the Aden Gulf, the 2012 Gemini rescue operation for abducted crew, support for the 2015 Yemen withdrawal of Korean nationals, the 2018 Gulf of Guinea rescue operation for abducted crew, and support for the 2023 Sudan withdrawal of Korean nationals.