Seoul: South Korea will take on a significant role in the upcoming U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) by commanding the multinational naval forces for the first time, as announced by the South Korean Navy on Thursday. The exercise, which is scheduled to occur from June 24 to July 31 in and around Hawaii, will see a South Korean admiral assuming the position of commander of the combined maritime component forces.

According to Yonhap News Agency, this marks a historic first for South Korea in the RIMPAC exercise, having previously held a deputy commander position during the 2024 drill. The U.S. Third Fleet, which is responsible for organizing the exercise, has confirmed South Korea’s enhanced role this year. In addition to South Korea commanding the maritime component, Canada will be in charge of the air component.

Launched in 1971, the biennial RIMPAC exercise aims to strengthen cooperation among participating nations in maintaining secure sea lines of communication and addressing potential maritime security challenges. South Korea has been a participant in RIMPAC since 1990, reflecting its longstanding commitment to international maritime security efforts.

This year’s exercise will involve a multinational force comprising over 25,000 personnel, approximately 40 surface ships, five submarines, and 140 aircraft, as detailed on the U.S. Third Fleet’s website. South Korea is set to deploy its advanced military assets, including the Aegis destroyer Jeongjo the Great, P-9 maritime patrol aircraft, and the 3,000-ton Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine, underscoring its commitment to the exercise.