Seoul: The chief of the South Korean Navy is set to travel to Hawaii this week to observe troops participating in a multinational naval exercise and engage in discussions with counterparts from key nations, as reported by the Navy on Wednesday. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul will be on the island from Wednesday through Thursday, overseeing and motivating troops involved in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean Navy has taken on the role of maritime component commander for this year's RIMPAC, marking the first time a navy from an Asian country has led the force. During his visit to Hawaii, Adm. Kim plans to conduct bilateral meetings with U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Stephen Koehler and Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Adm. Akira Saito to discuss maritime security cooperation. The trio of admirals will also convene in a trilateral format.

Following his engagements in Hawaii, Kim will travel to New York to participate in an international forum hosted by the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command. There, he will speak about South Korea's expertise in shipbuilding and the defense industry. Kim aims to underscore the importance of increased cooperation in naval shipbuilding and maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

In New York, the Navy chief is also scheduled to meet with his U.S. counterpart, Adm. Daryl Caudle, and William Toti, who serves as the acting under secretary of the U.S. Navy. They will discuss the allies' robust combined defense posture and explore avenues for expanding cooperation, as stated by the Navy.