Navy exercises with Republic of Korea

Commodore J.B. Zwick, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, is presented a flower necklace by two South Korean children, during HMCS Winnipeg’s visit to Jeju Naval Base, South Korea, June 22. Photo by Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services

OS Darien R. Wickman, HMCS Winnipeg ~

After a successful joint military exercise with Japanese Ship (JS) Inazuma, Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) Te Kaha, HMCS Winnipeg and Ottawa waved goodbye and came alongside the island of Jeju, South Korea, June 21.

The following morning, after a series of planning meetings, Ottawa and Winnipeg departed the hospitable Jeju Civilian-Military Port Complex for the next stage of Poseidon Cutlass 17, a bilateral exercise with the Republic of Korea.

Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Kang Gam Chan spearheaded the exercise that included ROKS Yul Gok Yi, ROKS Suncheon, Ottawa and Winnipeg. The objective of the exercise was to promote good relations between allied countries, as well as to provide Force Generation training for the operator trades.

“Working with the Koreans proved very similar to working with North American navies. They had an excellent execution of their exercise, primarily improved by the effective distribution of their program,” said Sub-Lieutenant David Hughes, a bridge watchkeeper on board Ottawa.

The ROKN-RCN bilateral exercise demonstrated both the efficiency and interoperability between the navies of the allied countries. The three-day program was tightly scheduled to include many forms of military operations. These included, but were not limited to serials exercising various methods of communication, formation maneuvering, boarding exercises, gunnery, and operational scenarios.

“During our interactions with the ROK Navy, the operations teams participated in multiple Above Water Warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare exercises,” said Ordinary Seaman Braeden Hart-Young, a Naval Combat Information Operator. “An operation of this scale showcases our allied navy’s potential to overcome both communication and technological barriers to successfully communicate and utilize Multi-LINK to ensure warfare effectiveness and combat efficiency.”

The ROKN also provided the opportunity for sailors from Ottawa to participate in a cross personnel assignment for a couple of days. Petty Officer Second Class Shawn Hanson, Naval Communicator, spent three days aboard ROKS Kang Gam Chan and noted their high level of discipline.

“They were incredibly efficient. They even turned part ship hands into drill movements.”

He went on to witness the differences between navies, including work practices, rank structure, watch organization, and ceremonial etiquette. “It was an interesting experience to witness, but I’m glad I’m employed by Canada.”

On completion of the exercise, Ottawa proceeded to Incheon, South Korea, where the ship celebrated Canada Day. The first day alongside included an official meeting between Commander Sylvain Belair, Ottawa’s Commanding Officer, and Rear-Admiral Park don Sung, Commander of Naval Base Incheon. Rear-Admiral Park thanked Ottawa for the ship’s presence in the Indo-Asia Pacific, lauding these deployments and the importance of seeing Canadian ships in the area as a contributor to stability.

On completion of the port visit in Incheon, Ottawa will proceed with Winnipeg to a series of exercises with Japan’s Navy, continuing on with the ship’s mission of global engagement and relationship-building.