Strengthening Maritime Security, South Korean Navy Inaugurates New Aviation Command: Equipped With Reconnaissance Planes To Advanced Drones

JAKARTA - The South Korean Navy last Friday inaugurated a new aviation command armed with high-end reconnaissance planes, helicopters and drones, as part of efforts to improve long-range maritime security capabilities, officials said.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Lee Jong-ho hosted the Naval Air Command launch ceremony at an airport in Pohang, 370 kilometers south of Seoul, promising efforts for "perfect" maritime flight operations.

The newly formed command has grown from the now-defunct Air Wing Six, the Navy's former aviation operations center. Rear Admiral Lee Sang-sik, former head of Air Wing Six, has been appointed as the first commanding officer.

"We have reached a new milestone, the establishment of the Naval Air Command," said CNO Admiral Lee.

"As the Navy's aviation force is the centerpiece of joint, joint operations, I call for strengthening the Navy's air operations by further developing operational concepts and continuing to secure high-tech aviation assets," said Admiral Lee.

Later, this command will also run the Maritime Air Operations Coordination Council, South Korea-USA. A dialogue platform designed to strengthen peacetime security cooperation with the US Seventh Fleet and lead joint wartime operations, according to the Navy.

This unit will operate a range of assets the Navy plans to deploy in the years to come. Assets include P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft, MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, minesweeper helicopter and unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle.