The Navy plans to boast its growing naval might at a fleet review in Busan this weekend, peppered by a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, South Korean Aegis destroyers and submarines and other cutting-edge vessels.
The event, scheduled for Oct. 17-23, marks the 70th anniversary of the Navy’s founding. Some 30 ships including an Aegis-equipped destroyer and 214-ton submarine will be on display, as well as maritime patrol aircraft, CH-47 choppers, F-15K fighters and about 30 Coast Guard planes, among others.
One of the most striking features will be the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. While showcasing the U.S.’ naval power, it is also expected to send veiled warnings to Pyongyang against another military provocation.
“The naval review was arranged to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the country’s liberation and the Navy’s establishment, highlight the significance of maritime security and display the advancement of the Navy that has strived to protect our maritime sovereignty over the past seven decades,” Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said at a news briefing.
“The participation of the Ronald Reagan is designed to contribute to the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the two countries’ friendship.”
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(Yonhap) |
Put in service in 2003, the 97,000-ton vessel is capable of carrying about 90 jets including F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters, EA-18G Growler electric warfare planes and E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft.
The aircraft carrier will take part in a joint exercise with South Korea’s Navy, Kim said, which includes various programs including for antispecial operations, antisubmarine, aircraft and mine warfare.
The U.S. will also dispatch two Aegis destroyers and a cruiser. The four ships will join on Oct. 23, officials here said.
During the event, the Navy also plans to carry out a fleet inspection on the sea, pilot training, symposium on global maritime challenges, defense industry trade show and musical concert.
Among the attendees will be 3,200 ordinary citizens who submitted an application online and some 5,000 other people, including nurses and miners who were sent to Germany in the 1960s and 1970s, North Korean defectors, multicultural families and Korean War veterans, they added.
By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)
