Marine Corps to defend Jeju

By Jun Ji-hye

A newly established Marine Corps brigade was tasked with defending Jeju Island and the surrounding waters, Tuesday.

The 9th Brigade, comprised of some 500 marines, will replace the Jeju Defense Command which was disbanded on the same day. The command had been jointly operated by the Navy and the Marine Corps.

The Navy, meanwhile, has set up the Jeju Naval Base Squadron composed of some 1,000 sailors.

The Marine Corps said the new brigade will carry out integrated defense and counter-attack operations against regional provocation in a variety of situations including enemy invasion or terrorist attacks.

The brigade will also conduct reconnaissance patrols at key facilities such as airports and harbors located in the South Sea region as well as responding to non-military emergencies such as natural disasters.

Marine Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Lee Sang-hoon hosted the foundation ceremony attended by 500 people including marines, sailors, veterans, politicians and citizens, as well as the Navy’s 3rd Fleet Commander Kim Jong-il, on the resort island.

“The activation of the 9th Brigade at Jeju Island will be an opportunity for marines to ensure great victories,” said Lee. “All marines here will have to carry out their missions with the understanding that the island is their homeland and the people on the island are their family.”

Marines were first deployed to the resort island on Dec. 28, 1949.

They took part in the landmark Incheon Landing operation, codenamed Operation Chromite, to recapture Seoul during the 1950-53 Korean War, winning a reputation for their invincibility and the nickname “Ghost Busters.”

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