Honolulu: The deputy commander of the U.S. 3rd Fleet on Monday highlighted South Korea's critical role in commanding the combined maritime component forces at this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Rear Adm. Suzanne Bailey emphasized that South Korea's leadership marks a "significant milestone" in the South Korea-U.S. partnership, as it becomes the first Asian country to assume this key role.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Rear Adm. Suzanne Bailey, who serves as the commander of the RIMPAC Combined Exercise Control Group, underscored the importance of South Korea's position as the maritime component commander at this year's RIMPAC exercise during a virtual press briefing. The U.S.-led joint maritime exercise, which began on June 24 and will continue through July 31 in Hawaii, involves over 25,000 personnel from 31 nations.

Bailey remarked, "It highlights a truly significant milestone for the RIMPAC exercise and for our partnership with the Republic of Korea." She further noted that the Republic of Korea Navy, with Adm. Kim In-ho serving as the maritime component commander, exemplifies the strength and maturity of the alliance between the two countries.

The deputy commander also noted that South Korea's participation in the drills will showcase the sophistication and strength of their fleet, demonstrating a "shared commitment to a free and open Pacific." In a first for the joint maritime exercise, South Korea deployed its Aegis destroyer Jeongjo the Great, along with the P-9 maritime patrol aircraft and the 3,000-ton Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine.

Bailey added that her experience aboard the ROKS Cheon Ja Bong landing ship was "phenomenal," although she did not elaborate on the specific capabilities of the vessels involved.