Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

A maritime drill began on the West Sea Defense Day

 

Coinciding with the exact hours of the ROKS Cheonan sinking and the start of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, depth charges were deployed, and anti-submarine and anti-surface live-fire drills were executed

Participating vessels included ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great, ROKS Pohang, and ROKS Busan

The forces maintained peak combat readiness, engaging in UAV shoot-down exercises

 

On March 26, naval vessels of the First Fleet engage in a maritime drill in the East Sea to mark the West Sea Defense Day. From the front, the 1,500-ton fast frigate (FF) ROKS Busan is followed by the 450-ton PKG-class patrol vessels ROKS Jung Geungmo and ROKS Kim Soohyun (PKG 729), as well as Chamsuri-class PKMR and PKM patrol boats

 

How can we forget the enemy provocations near the Northern Limit Line (NLL)? They must not be repeated. Be ready for energy threats, and if provoked again, punish immediately, strongly, till the end. On West Sea Defense Day, the military conducted maritime drills in the East Sea, South Sea, and West Sea. Kookbang Ilbo journalists were on board the 2,800-ton class frigate (FFG-Ⅱ) ROKS Pohang of the First Fleet to observe anti-submarine and anti-surface drills in the East Sea. Firm resolution and a strong commitment to victory in combat were seen in the eyes of the soldiers.

 

Coinciding with the exact hour of the ROKS Cheonan sinking, anti-submarine drill started.

 

On March 26 at 9:22 p.m., 14 years ago, ROKS Cheonan was hit while on a mission in waters near the enemy. Coinciding with the exact hour of the ROKS Cheonan sinking, an anti-submarine live-fire drill was conducted to commemorate the noble sacrifice of 46 sailors on the ship. The waters in the East Sea, defended by the First Fleet, are deep, leading to significant submarine activity. The First Fleet vessels, including ROKS Pohang, repeatedly conduct drills to strengthen their anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

 

“Enemy submarine activities are expected, and all personnel must be ready for anti-submarine warfare!”

 

The drill started with ROKS Pohang detecting a mock enemy submarine in the East Sea. The Combat Command Center (CCC) underwater information section transmitted information that an object was detected underwater, and the command bridge immediately signaled for general quarters.

 

Sailors onboard ROKS Pohang immediately went to battle stations. Based on the sonar signal, ROKS Pohang assessed the object as an enemy submarine and assigned additional personnel and changed the propulsion system from electric motor to gas turbine to increase speed to get out of the danger zone.

 

“Be ready to drop a small depth charge!”

 

An attack commenced on the mock enemy submarine. Personnel were stationed at the depth charge racks near the stern. When the announcement of “10 minutes to drop,” drop personnel connected a fuse to the depth charge and removed release tracks. They set the fuse to ensure the depth charge would detonate at 45 meters underwater.

 

“One minute to drop depth charge!”

 

ROKS Pohang began to advance at full speed before the drop. “10 seconds! 9, 8, 7, 6….” All sailors started a countdown with a resolute tone. Tension rose as the numbers decreased one by one. Drop personnel stood by at the launching pad, holding the heavy depth charge, poised for the moment the countdown reached zero.

 

At the order of “Drop!” a small depth charge plunged into the sea. It was exactly 9:22. About 10 seconds later, a roaring explosion sounded from the area ROKS Pohang had left. The anti-submarine exercise was successfully completed.

 

Sailors of ROKS Pohang perform duties on the command bridge.

 

ROKS Pohang sailors fire a small depth charge at 9:22, the time ROKS Cheonan was hit.

 

Firing from a warship at the time of the gunfight in the Second Battle of Yeongpyeong

 

The following day, on March 27, an anti-surface drill was staged at 10:25 a.m., the same time Battle of Yeongpyeong took place. To commemorate the heroes who fell defending the seas, the exercise was conducted simultaneously in the East Sea, West Sea, and South Sea. ROKS Pohang also participated in the live-fire exercise.

 

In the East Sea live-fire exercise, ROKS Pohang, along with four warships—ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great (DDH-1), ROKS Busan (FF), ROKS Jung Geungmo (PKG), and Chamsuri-class PKMR and PKM patrol boats—all fired simultaneously.

 

“All sailors go to the combat positions!”

 

Three minutes before firing, general quarters were announced. ROKS Pohang’s artillery aimed at a target 10,000 yards (approximately 9 km) away at a 30-degree angle. Another countdown began.

 

Bang! Bang! Bang! The 5-inch artillery of ROKS Pohang emitted acrid smoke and thunderous roars. Simultaneously, the other warships, including ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great and ROKS Busan, which had been mobilized alongside ROK Pohang, also launched bombs at a mock vessel ahead.

 

After the live-fire drill, an exercise continued to defend against the infiltration of enemy UAVs. As UAV targets approached from a distance, the sailors of ROKS Pohang detected and identified them by using different detection systems including radar. Sailors practiced the procedure of tracking and aiming at UAVs by using a close-in weapon system (CIWS).

 

On the deck, a firing drill to shoot down UAVs using crew with weapons such as M60, K6, and K2 and small arms also occurred.

 

The exercise ended with sailors shouting the slogan “The spearhead of victory, strong ROKS Pohang!”

 

Colonel Ju Seong-ryeol, commander of the 12th Combat Squadron, who led the East Sea maritime drill, said, “This exercise aims to solidify our commitment to decisively defeat the enemy if provoked and to enhance the combat readiness of the squadron. We will maintain peak combat strength to fully execute all assigned missions under any circumstances.”

By Hyun-woo, Seo <lgiant61@dema.mi.kr>

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