The Republic of Korea Navy destroyer Yulgok Yi I (KDX-III) participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise in 2024. (Republic of Korea Navy)

By Charles Audouin

The Republic of Korea Navy this year will oversee and lead operations in this year's multilateral Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise.

The U.S. Navy's 3rd Fleet on April 17 said this in releasing this year's RIMPAC plan, adding that under the lead of the fleet's commander, who also heads the combined task force, the Republic of Korea Navy will supervise naval forces in the exercise.

The Korean navy was deputy commander in the 2024 exercise.

As the world’s largest joint naval exercise and launched in 1971, the biennial RIMPAC seeks to protect sea routes, raise the joint capacity to respond to maritime threats, and improve the interoperability and operating capabilities of combined forces.

Thirty-one countries including France, Chile and Japan will join this year's drill running from June 24 to July 31 in Hawaii. About 40 surface ships, five submarines, 140 aircraft including those for maritime patrol and 25,000 personnel will participate.

caudouin@korea.kr