S.Korean Navy Establishes Aviation Unit to Bolster Maritime Security

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has established a new aviation command that, in future, will armed with aircraft such as P-8A Poseidon MPA and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to bolster maritime security capabilities.

On July 15, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lee Jong-ho hosted a ceremony launching the command, grown out of the now-defunct Air Wing Six, at an airport in in Pohang which is located 370km south of Seoul, Yonhap News Agency reported. The unit will also operate minesweeping choppers and surveillance drones in the coming years.

Rear Adm. Lee Sang-sik, former chief of Air Wing Six, has been appointed the first chief of the command.

The command will run the Maritime Air Operation Coordination Council, a South Korea-U.S. dialogue platform designed to reinforce peacetime security cooperation with the U.S. Seventh Fleet and lead combined wartime operations, according to the Navy.