S. Korea, US hold naval drill in East Sea

By Kang Seung-woo

South Korea and the United States conducted a joint naval exercise in the East Sea, Monday.

The drill featured the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance as well as the South Korean Navy’s Aegis Destroyer Yulgok Yi I, submarines and anti-submarine helicopters. P-3 patrol aircraft from the two sides also joined the operation.

During the exercise, the South Korean and U.S. naval forces participated in tactical maneuvering, live fire drills and anti-submarine warfare. They also conducted simulated precision strikes on key ground targets in North Korea, the South Korean Navy said.

The latest exercise came as the North Korean regime continues to ratchet up tension on the Korean Peninsula, threatening to strike the U.S. mainland as well as South Korea, following its fifth nuclear test, Sept. 9.

In response, the U.S. Air Force flew two B-1B strategic bombers over the peninsula twice to send a strong message of unified resolve against continuing acts of North Korean aggression.

“This combined operation was carefully coordinated and is another tangible example of how well our ROK-U.S. alliance works together,” said Vice Adm. Lee, Ki-sik, the commander of the South Korean Navy fleet.

“This combined tasking was aggressive in nature and proves that we will always be ready to deter aggression and defeat enemies to maintain stability and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.”

Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, said, “This operation showcases the unwavering strength and resolve of the U.S. and South Korean navies.”

“We work side-by-side with our South Korean partners every day; we are by their side today at sea, and we will remain by their side to defend against North Korea's unprovoked acts of aggression.”