Republic of Korea Navy 2284275 218874471 2008-06-12T15:33:16Z Bin2k1 3688615 /* Founding years and Korean War */ {{Republic of Korea Navy}} The '''Republic of Korea Navy''' ([[Hangul]]: 대한민국 해군; [[Hanja]]: 大韓民國 海軍; [[Revised Romanization]]: ''Dae-han-min-guk Hae-gun'') or '''ROK Navy''' ('''ROKN''') is a branch of the [[Military of South Korea|South Korean armed forces]] responsible for conducting naval operations and amphibious landing operations.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil.kr/english/about/duty.jsp "Duty of the ROK Navy"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 10, 2007.</ref> The ROK Navy includes the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]], which is a quasi-autonomous organization.<ref>[http://www.rokmc.mil.kr/bbs/intro/formation.jsp "해병대 조직"]. <U>Republic of Korea Marine Corps Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 26, 2007.</ref> The ROK Navy is the oldest service within the ROK Armed Forces. In 2005, the South Korean navy celebrated its 60th anniversary. Since the [[Korean War]], the ROK Navy concentrated its efforts to build naval forces against the [[North Korean Naval Force|North Korean navy]], which has littoral naval capabilities. As [[South Korea]]'s economy grew, the ROK Navy was able to build larger and better equipped fleets to deter aggression, to protect national maritime rights and to support the nation's foreign policies.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil.kr/about/oceannavy/oceannavy_1.jsp "해군의 역할"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 8, 2007.</ref> As a part of its mission, the ROK Navy has engaged in several [[peacekeeping|peacekeeping operations]] since the turn of the century.<ref>[http://www.mnd.go.kr/news/mndNews/content.jsp?enewsFlag=mnd&section=p_sec_3&enewsId=155119621 "해군작전사령부 창설 54주년..어제와 오늘 그리고 미래"]. <U>Ministry of National Defense Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 4, 2007.</ref> The ROK Navy had about 68,000 regular personnel including the 25,000 Republic of Korea Marine Corps personnel as of 2006. There are some 170 commissioned ships (total displacement of approx. 141,000 tons<ref>[http://www.mod.go.jp/e/publ/w_paper/index.html "Defense of Japan 2007"]. <U>Ministry of Defense Official Website</U>. Retrieved August 9, 2007.</ref> ) in the ROK Navy, including around 10 submarines, 80 patrol craft and 20 auxiliaries as of October 2007. The naval aviation force consists of about 10 fixed-wing and 50 rotary-wing aircraft.<ref>[http://www.mnd.go.kr/Info/publication/WhiteBook/2006/index.jsp "2006 국방백서"]. <U>Ministry of National Defense Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 11, 2007.</ref> The ROK Navy aims to become a [[blue-water navy]] by 2020.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil.kr/about/oceannavy/oceannavy_5.jsp "대양해군건설"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 4, 2007.</ref> [Note on [[romanization]]: In the article, all South Korean ships' names are spelled accordingly with the [[Revised Romanization of Korean]] system and supplied with [[hull number]]s in order to avoid confusions. Exceptions are ships named after a person's name (e.g. Chang Bo-go, Yi Sunshin, Sohn Won-yil) because the romanization of the personal name has already been established.] == History == {{main|History of the Republic of Korea Navy}} ===Origins=== [[Image:TurtleShip1795.jpg|thumb|16th century Korean turtle ship in a depiction dating to 1795 based on a contemporary, late 18th century model.<ref name="Stephen Turnbull 243">Stephen Turnbull, “Samurai Invasion. Japan’s Korean War 1592-98” (London, 2002), Cassell & Co ISBN 0-304-35948-3, p. 243</ref>]] [[Korea]] has a long [[Naval history of Korea|history of naval activities]]. In the late 4th century during the [[Three Kingdoms of Korea|Three Kingdoms Period]], [[Goguryeo]] defeated [[Baekjae]] by operating amphibious forces of 40,000 men. In the 9th century, Commissioner [[Jang Bogo|Chang Bogo]] of the [[Unified Silla]] established a maritime base called [[Cheonghaejin]] in an island to foster trading with [[China]] and [[Japan]]; to cope with pirates. In 1380, the naval forces of the [[Goryeo Dynasty]] defeated 500 vessels of invading Japanese pirates by deploying shipboard guns, devised by [[Choe Mu-seon|Choi Moosun]], which is claimed to be the first use of shipboard guns in the [[naval history]]. In 1389 and 1419, the Korean naval force invaded [[Tsushima Island]] to suppress the Japanese pirate. In the early years of the [[Joseon Dynasty]], the naval forces once reached its peak of 50,000 personnel due to the pirate issue.<ref>[http://www.navy.go.kr/pds/navyhistory/history_1.jsp "역사속의 해군"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 1, 2007.</ref> During the [[Japanese invasions of Korea]] (1592–1598), the [[Joseon Navy|Korean naval force]] commanded by Admiral [[Yi Sunshin]], who later became the head of the Navy, cut off the invaders' naval life line and defeated the Japanese fleet reversing the war in favor of Joseon.<ref>[http://www.barrystrauss.com/pdfs/yi-mhq.2.pdf "Korea’s Legendary Admiral (PDF Format)"]. <U>barrystrauss.com</U>. Retrieved May 1, 2007.</ref> Admiral Yi is also accredited with the creation of the [[Turtle Ship]]. By the end of 19th century, the Joseon Navy had no significant naval force<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol49no1/html_files/first_attache_5.html "The First US Naval Attaché to Korea"]. <U>Central Intelligence Agency Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 6, 2007.</ref> other than coast defense fortresses. Although there was an attempt to modernize the navy by establishing a royal naval school, the Joseon Navy was brought to an end in 1895. In 1903, the government of the [[Korean Empire]] purchased its first modern war ship, the ''Yangmu''.<ref>[http://www.imhc.mil.kr/imhcroot/upload/resource/hm-03.pdf "제3장 군사학교의 설립과 사관양성 (PDF Format)"]. <U>Ministry of National Defense - Institution for Military History Compilation Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 1, 2007.</ref> The Korean naval tradition was disrupted after Korea was annexed by the [[Empire of Japan]] in 1910. ===Founding years and Korean War=== [[Image:Admiral Sohn Won-il.jpg|left|thumb|Rear Admiral Sohn Won-yil discussing Korean War operations with Rear Admiral A.E. Smith, USN]] Shortly after Korea was liberated from the Empire of Japan on [[August 15]], [[1945]], a former merchant mariner and independence activist<ref>[http://ki.warmemo.co.kr:8101/warmemo/jsp/data/view.jsp?type=2&pkey=625HM00015 "손원일 중장"]. <U>War Memorial Museum Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 2, 2007.</ref> [[Sohn Won-yil]] led to form the Maritime Affairs Association, which evolved in the Marine Defense Group on [[November 11]], [[1945]] (later became Navy Foundation Day) and later became the Korean Coast Guard. After the new [[Republic of Korea]] government was established on [[August 15]], [[1948]], the Korean Coast Guard was formally renamed the [[Republic of Korea Navy]], and Sohn became the first Chief of Naval Operations of the ROK Navy on [[September 5]], [[1948]].<ref>[http://www.cnfk.navy.mil/history.html "Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea: The Early Years (1945 to 1957)"]. <U>Commander U.S. Naval Forces Korea, U.S. Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 4, 2007.</ref> On [[April 15]], [[1949]], the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]] (ROKMC) was founded at Jinhae. The [[Korean War]] started with the [[Korean People's Army|North Korean army]]'s surprise attack on Sunday, [[June 25]], [[1950]]. The ROK Navy confronted threats from the [[North Korean Naval Force|North Korean navy]]: "Perhaps the most aggressive and effective, if smallest, member of the South Korean armed services during the first year of the Korean War was the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). At the outset of the conflict, the 6,956-man ROKN, with [33]<ref>[http://www.navy.go.kr/servlet/Download?file=20031231192549453.pdf "6·25전쟁 발발 당일, 우리 해군의 함정 척수 및 병력"]. <U>해군</U> vol. 2003 9-10. Republic of Korea Navy. Retrieved October 21, 2007.</ref> naval vessels of various types, was outnumbered by the 13,700 men and 110 naval vessels of the North Korean navy."<ref>[http://www.history.navy.mil/wars/korea/roknavy.htm "Republic of Korea Navy"]. <U>Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center Official Website</U>. Retrieved September 25, 2007.</ref> With its [[UN]] allies, dominated by US forces, the ROK Navy was able to gain control in the seas surrounding the country. On [[July 27]], [[1953]], the three year-long war was brought to an end when an armistice agreement was signed. During the war, [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Colombia]], [[France]], the [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], [[Thailand]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]] contributed naval vessels as UN allies; [[Denmark]] sent the hospital ship ''[[Jutlandia]]''. <ref>[http://korea50.army.mil/history/factsheets/allied.shtml "Allied Forces in the Korean War"]. <U>Department of Defense – Korean War Commemoration Website</U>. Retrieved September 25, 2007.</ref> In September 1953, Commander-in-Chief Republic of Korea Fleet was established. ===Building the Navy=== [[Image:Kyongbuk frigate.JPG|right|thumb|A locally built ''Ulsan'' class frigate, ROKS ''Gyeongbuk'' (FF 956)]] Continuing from the 50s, the ROK Navy continued to build naval surface forces mainly with ships transferred from the [[US Navy]]. During the [[Vietnam War]], the ROK Navy dispatched naval transport units called ''Baekgu''; the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps|ROKMC]] dispatched combat units called ''Cheongnyong'' to [[Vietnam]]. On [[January 19]], [[1967]], ROKS ''Dangpo'' (PCEC 56), the former {{USS|Marfa|PCE-842}}, was sunk by North Korean coastal artillery north of the demarcation line off the east coast of Korea<ref>[http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m5/marta.htm "Marta"]. <U>Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center Official Website</U>. Retrieved April 30, 2007.</ref> In June 1970, a navy broadcast vessel (ROKS ''I-2'') was captured by North Korean patrol craft in the vicinity of Yeonpyeong Islands in the West Sea ([[Yellow Sea]]).<ref>[http://www.ceoi.org/8ceoi(text)/8ceoi(text21).htm "남북간의 해상전과 남한 방송선 피랍사건"]. <U>www.ceoi.org by O Wonchol</U>. Retrieved October 4, 2007.</ref> In the 70s, the ROK Navy, through the [[Park Chung-hee]] Administration's "''Yulgok'' Plan" (an 8-year national defense plan "to build up self-reliant, national defense capability"<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/army-history.htm "ROK Army History"]. <U>GlobalSecurity.org</U>. Retrieved March 10, 2007.</ref>), began to build naval forces with indigenous technologies; this initiated the ROK Navy to build fleets with locally built ships. The first 2,000-ton frigate ROKS ''Ulsan'' (FF 951) was launched in 1980 and the first 1,000-ton corvette ROKS ''Pohang'' (PCC 756) was launched in 1982 with indigenous technologies. The ROK Navy continued to carry out other new shipbuilding projects such as mine sweepers, logistic support ships and amphibious landing ships in the 80s and 90s. In 1973, once a separate branch of the ROK Armed Forces, the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps|ROKMC]] became a part of the ROK Navy. === Modernizing the Navy === [[Image:KDXI.JPG|right|thumb|ROKS ''Kwanggaeto the Great'' (DDH 971), the ROK Navy's first locally built destroyer]] Since the 90s, the ROK Navy has been steadily upgrading its naval forces. In 1995, Admiral [[An Pyongtae]], the 20th Chief of Naval Operations, presented the vision of building a [[blue-water navy]] for the future of the ROK Navy in his inaugural address.<ref>[http://donga.com/docs/magazine/new_donga/200007/nd2000070130.html "21세기 통일한국의 大洋해군 전략"]. <U>Donga.com</U>. Retrieved March 8, 2007.</ref> As a part of a plan to strengthen the surface combatant forces, the ROK Navy launched the lead ship of the ''Kwanggaeto the Great'' class destroyer in 1996 to replace the former [[USN]] destroyers. For building submarines forces, the ROK Navy acquired its first submarine (excluding midget submarines) ROKS ''Chang Bogo'' (SS 061) from Germany in 1992. In order to replace the aged S-2 Trackers, [[P-3C Orion|Lockheed P-3C Orion]] maritime patrol aircraft were delivered to the ROK Navy from 1995. In June 1999, the ROK Navy forces engaged the North Korea naval forces near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the vicinity of Yeonpyeong Islands. In June 2002, the two Navies engaged again in the same vicinity resulting in the sinking of ROKS ''PKM 357''. === Present: First decade of 21st century=== [[Image:ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH 976).jpg|ROKS ''Munmu the Great'' (DDH 976) sails in formation at the end of RIMPAC 2006|right|thumb]] The ROK Navy continues to put its efforts to build a blue-water navy. In 2001, then President [[Kim Dae-jung]] announced a plan for building up the Strategic Mobile Fleet.<ref>[http://www3.yonsei.ac.kr:8888/kdjlibrary/historyData/researchData/viewNew.asp?pkid=30009&searchValue=&sYear=2001&sMonth=03&sDay=01&eYear=2001&eMonth=04&eDay=17&searchFlag=Y&historyYear=&itemGubun=1&page=1 "김대통령, 해군사관학교 졸업 및 임관식 참석말씀"]. <U>Kim Dae-jung Presidential Library Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 12, 2007.</ref> In 2002, the lead ship (DDH 975) of the 4,500-ton ''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin'' class destroyer was launched. In 2005, the 14,000-ton amphibious landing ship, ROKS ''Dokdo'' (LPH 6111) was launched. In 2006, the ROK Navy launched the lead ship (SS 072) of the 1,800-ton ''Sohn Wonyil'' class submarine, which was named after the first Chief of Naval Operations, equipped with [[Air-Independent Propulsion]] (AIP) system. In May 2007, the ROK Navy launched the lead ship (DDG 991) of the [[King Sejong the Great class destroyer|''King Sejong the Great'' class]] destroyer, built around the [[Aegis combat system]] and the [[AN/SPY-1 radar|SPY-1D]] multi-function phased array radar. As a part of its mission, the ROK Navy participated in several [[peacekeeping|peacekeeping operations]] since the turn of the century.<ref>[http://www.mnd.go.kr/news/mndNews/content.jsp?enewsFlag=mnd&section=p_sec_3&enewsId=155119621 "해군작전사령부 창설 54주년..어제와 오늘 그리고 미래"]. <U>Ministry of National Defense Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 4, 2007.</ref> == Command and organization == [[Image:Rok navy logo.png|right|thumb|The official logo of the Republic of Korea Navy]] {{Details|List of operating units and shore establishments of the Republic of Korea Navy}} The Republic of Korea Navy includes the Republic of Korea Navy Headquarters, [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps]], Republic of Korea Fleet, Naval Logistics Command, Naval Education and Training Command, and Naval Academy. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is the highest-ranking officer of the ROK Navy. The ROK Navy operates several naval bases in South Korea: [[Jinhae]], [[Busan]], [[Donghae City|Donghae]], [[Pyeongtaek]], [[Mokpo]], [[Incheon]], [[Jeju City|Jeju]], [[Pohang]]. ===Senior leadership=== As of April 2008, the following persons were in office: *Chief of Naval Operations: Admiral Jung Ok-keun (based in Republic of Korea Navy Headquarters, [[Gyeryong]]) *Commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps: Lieutenant General Lee Hong-hee (based in Headquarters Republic of Korea Marine Corps, [[Hwaseong, Gyeonggi|Hwaseong]]) *Commander-in-Chief Republic of Korea Fleet: Vice Admiral Park Jung-hwa (based in Republic of Korea Fleet command headquarters, [[Busan]]) ===Republic of Korea Navy Headquarters=== The Republic of Korea Navy Headquarters, located within Gyeryongdae in [[Gyeryong]], includes the office of the Chief of Naval Operations and various agencies and staff functions. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is a four-star admiral and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The CNO oversees the administration of recruiting, organizing, training, equipping, supplying, and mobilizing the ROK Navy.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil.kr/english/about/task.jsp "Main Tasks of Each Troop"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 13, 2007.</ref> ===Republic of Korea Marine Corps=== {{main|Republic of Korea Marine Corps}} ===Commander-in-Chief Republic of Korea Fleet=== [[Image:Southkoreamap.png|thumb|right|Map of South Korea]] [[Commander-in-Chief]] Republic of Korea Fleet (CINCROKFLT) is responsible for naval operations, and based at Busan Naval Operations Base with a command headquarters. CINCROKFLT also serves as Commander Naval Component Command (CNCC) of the [[ROK-US Combined Forces Command]] (CFC). The Republic of Korea Fleet includes the three [[Naval fleet|fleets]] each assigned to the East Sea ([[Sea of Japan]]), West Sea ([[Yellow Sea]]), and South Sea ([[Korea Strait]]) of South Korea: ::*First Fleet (base: [[Donghae City|Donghae]]) ::*Second Fleet (base: [[Pyeongtaek]]) :::*Incheon Naval Sector Defense Command ::*Third Fleet (base: [[Mokpo]]) :::*Jeju Defense Command For multidimensional naval operations, there are a surface force [[flotilla]], naval aviation [[Wing (air force unit)|wing]], training flotilla, submarine flotilla, and [[special warfare]] (UDT/SEAL) [[brigade]] under CINCROKFLT: ::*Surface flotilla FIVE :::*Mobile squadron 51 :::*Mine Warfare Squadron 52 :::*Amphibious Squadron 53 :::*Service Squadron 55 ::*Air Wing SIX ::*Readiness flotilla EIGHT ::*Submarine Flotilla NINE ::*Naval Special Warfare Flotilla As a part of "Defense Reform 2020," which was proposed by the [[Roh Moo-hyun]] Administration, the ROK Navy is required to simplify the command structure under CINCROKFLT by disestablishing two Combat Flotillas and three Defense Commands, and reform the organizations under CINCROKFLT by upgrading the submarine operations command (to fleet submarine force), the naval aviation operations command (to fleet air arm), and by establishing some Mobile Flotillas.<ref>[http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=200703070847021&code=910302 "해군 1·2전투전단 21년만에 해체"]. <U>kyunghyang.com</U>. Retrieved March 7, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.mnd.go.kr/Info/publication/WhiteBook/2006/index.jsp "2006 국방백서"]. <U>Ministry of National Defense Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 11, 2007.</ref> ====Mobile flotilla==== In 2001, then President [[Kim Dae-jung]] announced a plan for building up a strategic mobile fleet (전략기동함대; 戰略機動艦隊), which will "protect national interests in the Fives Oceans and contribute to world peace" .<ref>[http://www3.yonsei.ac.kr:8888/kdjlibrary/historyData/researchData/viewNew.asp?pkid=30009&searchValue=&sYear=2001&sMonth=03&sDay=01&eYear=2001&eMonth=04&eDay=17&searchFlag=Y&historyYear=&itemGubun=1&page=1 "김대통령, 해군사관학교 졸업 및 임관식 참석말씀"]. <U>Kim Dae-jung Presidential Library Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 12, 2007.</ref> The plan was initially reduced to establish one mobile flotilla (기동전단; 機動戰團) by 2010, which will include a command ship, [[Dokdo class Landing Platform Helicopter|ROKS ''Dokdo'' (LPH 6111)]]; an [[Aegis combat system|Aegis Weapon System]]-equipped destroyer, the [[King Sejong the Great class destroyer|''King Sejong the Great'' (DDG 991)]]; and six [[Chungmugong Yi Sunshin class destroyer|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin'' class]] destroyers.<ref>[http://www.cbs.co.kr/nocut/show.asp?idx=629248 "아시아 최대 수송함 '독도함' 기동 첫 공개"]. <U>cbs.co.kr</U>. Retrieved October 21, 2007.</ref> The ROK Navy plans to build a new naval base on the southern coast of [[Jeju-do]] for hosting the flotilla and two submarine squadrons by 2014. The ROK Navy aims to strengthen its control over seas surrounding the [[Korean Peninsula]] by deploying the mobile flotilla. ===Relationships with the US Navy=== [[Image:071119-N-1113S-001.jpg|right|thumb|Vice Adm. Ahn Kee-seok, CINCROKFLT and Vice Adm. Doug Crowder, C7F saluting the colors.]] South Korea has a joint military partnership with the United States as outlined by the [[List of United States treaties#1950-1999|Mutual Defense Treaty]] signed on 1951. [[United States Seventh Fleet|Commander U.S. Seventh Fleet]] (C7F) is designated as Commander Combined Naval Component Command (CCNCC) "for the defense of the Korean peninsula; in the event of hostilities, all friendly naval forces in the theater would fall under C7F control."<ref>[http://www.c7f.navy.mil/Pages/Forwardpresence.html "Forward Presence"]. <U>Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet Official Website</U>. Retrieved October 21, 2007.</ref> The ROK and US Governments have agreed on the transfer of wartime operational control to the South Korean government in 2012. == Personnel == The Republic of Korea Navy had about 68,000 regular male and female personnel including the 25,000 Republic of Korea Marine Corps personnel as of 2006. Among them, about 11% is [[commissioned officers]] and about 32% is [[non-commissioned officers]] (including [[warrant officers]]).<ref>[http://www.kida.re.kr/_include/download.asp?file=/ka/K100000660/KIDA0p00000zkz.pdf&name=20060130_1084(조관호&이현지).hwp "성공적 국방개혁을 위한 인력구조 발전 방향"]. <U>Korea Institute for Defense Analyses Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 13, 2007.</ref> As a part of "Defense Reform 2020," which was proposed by the [[Roh Moo-hyun]] Administration, the ROK Navy is required to reduce its personnel to 64,000 regular personnel including the marines.<ref>[http://www.mnd.go.kr/Info/publication/WhiteBook/2006/index.jsp "2006 국방백서"]. <U>Ministry of National Defense Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 11, 2007.</ref> Military service is mandatory for all South Korean men. For the Navy, recruitment is volunteer-based: enlisted serving a 26-month term (the marines: 24-month term); commissioned officer, warrant officer, and non-commissioned officer serving as mandatory military service (longer than that of enlisted) or as career. In 2001, six female [[Ensign (rank)|ensigns]] commissioned through the Officer Candidate School were assigned to serve on surface ships for the first time in the ROK Navy.<ref>[http://www2.mogaha.go.kr/webapp/bbs/notice/view.action?serial=161024&sc_param=for_frame&listStatusStr=rO0ABXNyABpjb20uZ2VuMTI4LmRhdGEuTGlzdFN0YXR1c7sGCWct5HSSAgAESQAHbWF4U2l6ZUkABm9mZnNldEwACmNvbmRpdGlvbnN0ABNMamF2YS91dGlsL0hhc2hNYXA7TAAEc29ydHQAEkxqYXZhL2xhbmcvU3RyaW5nO3hwAAAADwAAAHhzcgARamF2YS51dGlsLkhhc2hNYXAFB9rBwxZg0QMAAkYACmxvYWRGYWN0b3JJAAl0aHJlc2hvbGR4cD9AAAAAAAAMdwgAAAAQAAAAAHh0AAZzZXJpYWw= "女해군장교들 첫 함정근무 (신문기사)"]. <U>Ministry of Government Administration and Home affairs Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 11, 2007.</ref> ===Commissioned officers=== [[Image:060921-N-0879R-001.jpg|A Korean midshipman aboard ROKS ''Daejoyoung'' (DDH 977) waves to fellow sailors aboard ROKS ''Daecheong'' (AOE 58).|right|thumb]] There are several paths to becoming a commissioned officer in the ROK Navy, including the Naval Academy, Officer Candidate School (OCS), and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). ===Warrant officers=== Unlike in the other military, [[Warrant Officer|Warrant Officers]] in the [[Republic of Korea Armed Forces|South Korean armed forces]] fall in between non-commissioned and commissioned officers. In the ROK Navy, warrant officers are mostly former [[non-commissioned officers]] who have attained the rating of ''[[Wonsa|Won-sa]]'' (Master Chief Petty Officer) and have been selected for and completed a warrant officer candidate program. Another way to become a warrant officer is by completing a naval aviation warrant officer candidate program. WOs generally mess with commissioned officers. ===Non-commissioned officers=== Non-commissioned officers originate from a non-commissioned officer candidate program. In the ROK Navy, personnel with ranks of ''Ha-sa'' through ''Won-sa'' are considered [[non-commissioned officers]] (NCOs) while those at ''Sang-sa'' and ''Won-sa'' are further referred to as “CPO” ([[chief petty officer]]) collectively. There are the appointments of ''Ju-im Wo-sa'' and ''Ju-im Sang-sa'' equivalent to that of the US Navy's [[Command Master Chief Petty Officer]] (CMCPO). The positions are filled by senior ''Wo-sa'' and '' Sang-sa'' respectively and unlike their US Navy counterparts, the ROK Navy ''Ju-im Wo-sa'' and ''Ju-im Sang-sa'' wear the same standard rate insignia of ''Wo-sa'' or '' Sang-sa'' and only wear a badge. Every ROK Navy establishment and ship has either ''Ju-im Wo-sa'' or ''Ju-im Sang-sa''. ===Enlisted=== [[Image:DN-SD-00-01070.JPEG|Two South Korean navy seamen find the time to relax during RIMPAC 98.|right|thumb]] In the ROK Navy, enlisted sailors are referred to as "''Su-byeong''" (수병; 水兵). Normally the enlisted sailors serve in the Navy for 26 months; after that they will be transferred from the active list to the reserve list. ===Ranks and ratings=== {{see also|Comparative military ranks of Korea}} In the ROK Navy, as in the rest of the ROK Armed Forces, ranks fall into one of four categories: commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer, and enlisted, in decreasing order of authority. Commissioned officer ranks are subdivided into "''Janggwan''"-level officers (flag officers), "''Yeonggawan''"-level officers (Lieutenant Commander through Captain), and "''Wigwan''"-level officers (Ensign through Lieutenant). All three branches (the [[Republic of Korea Army|Army]], Navy, and [[Republic of Korea Air Force|Air Force]]) of the Armed Forces share the same titles of ranks in [[Hangul]]. {| class="wikitable" !ROK Armed Forces rank !Translation !US Navy equivalent |- ! colspan=3 align="center"| Commissioned Officers (장교; 將校; ''Jang-gyo'') |- ! colspan=3 align="center"| 장관 (將官; ''Jang-gwan'') |- | 원수 (元帥; [[Wonsu|''Won-su'']])¹ | colspan=2| Fleet Admiral |- | 대장 (大將; [[Daejang|''Dae-jang'']]) | colspan=2| Admiral |- | 중장 (中將; [[Chungjang|''Jung-jang'']]) | colspan=2| Vice Admiral |- | 소장 (少將; [[Sojang|''So-jang'']]) | colspan=2| Rear Admiral (Upper Half) |- | 준장 (准將; [[Chunjang|''Jun-jang'']]) | colspan=2| Rear Admiral (Lower Half) |- ! colspan=3 align="center"| 영관 (領官; ''Yeong-gwan'') |- | 대령 (大領; [[Taeryong|''Dae-ryeong'']]) | colspan=2| Captain² |- | 중령 (中領; [[Chungryong|''Jung-nyeong'']]) | colspan=2| Commander |- | 소령 (少領; [[Soryong|''So-ryeong'']]) | colspan=2| Lieutenant Commander |- ! colspan=3 align="center"| 위관 (尉官; ''Wi-gwan'') |- | 대위 (大尉; [[Daewi|''Dae-wi'']]) | colspan=2| Lieutenant |- | 중위 (中尉; [[Chungwi|''Jung-wi'']]) | colspan=2| Lieutenant Junior Grade |- | 소위 (少尉; [[Sowi|''So-wi'']]) | colspan=2| Ensign |- ! colspan=3 align="center"| Warrant Officers (준사관; 准士官; ''Jun-sa-gwan'') |- | 준위 (准尉; [[Junwi|''Jun-wi'']]) | Warrant Officer | [[Warrant Officer (United States)|Chief Warrant Officer]] |- ! colspan=3 align="center"| Non-Commissioned Officers (부사관; 副士官; ''Bu-sa-gwan'') |- | 원사 (元士; [[Wonsa|''Won-sa'']]) | colspan=2| Master Chief Petty Officer |- | 상사 (上士; [[Sangsa|''Sang-sa'']]) | Chief Petty Officer | [[Senior Chief Petty Officer]] |- | 중사 (中士; [[Chungsa|''Jung-sa'']]) | Senior Petty Officer | [[Chief Petty Officer]] |- | 하사 (下士; [[Hasa|''Ha-sa'']]) | Petty Officer | [[Petty Officer First Class]] |- ! colspan=3 align="center"| Enlisted (병; 兵; ''Byeong'') |- | 병장 (兵長; [[Byongjang|''Byeong-jang'']]) | Leading Seaman | [[Petty Officer Second Class]] |- | 상등병 (上等兵; [[Sangbyong|''Sang-deung-byeong'']]) | Able Seaman | [[Petty Officer Third Class]] |- | 일등병 (一等兵; [[Ilbyong|''Il-deung-byeong'']]) | Seaman First Class | [[Seaman]] |- | 이등병 (二等兵; [[Yibyong|''I-deung-byeong'']]) | Seaman Second Class | [[Seaman Apprentice]] |} ¹: No one held the rank of ''Won-su'' in the history of the ROK Armed Forces yet.<br> ²: Senior Captains in command of Squadrons can be referred to as “[[Commodore (USN)|Commodore]]” verbally and in correspondence as in the US Navy.<br> == Major international activities == [[Image:USN_MH-60S_is_landing_on_the_flight_deck_of_the_ROKS_Dokdo_(LPH_6111).jpg|right|thumb|A U.S. Navy MH-60S landing on the flight deck of ROKS ''Dokdo'' (LPH 6111) during the Korean Interoperability Training Program.]] The ROK Navy frequently participates in multinational exercises and international activities. Also it has engaged in several peacekeeping operations since the turn of the century. In October 1998, the ROK Navy hosted its first international fleet review in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Korea and its armed forces off coast of Busan and Jinhae. About 60 ships from 12 countries participated in the fleet review including the South Korean navy.<ref>[http://weekly.hankooki.com/whan/last/981029/w61553.htm "{해군 국제관함식} 바다로, 세계로..."]. <U>THE HANKOOKILBO</U>. Retrieved March 10, 2007.</ref> The ROK Navy announced to host its second international fleet review off coast of Busan in October 2008. * Pacific Reach: The ROK Navy has participated in the biannual submarine rescue exercise since 2000. In 2004, the ROK Navy hosted the exercise, which was the first multinational naval exercise the ROK Navy ever hosted. * [[RIMPAC]]: The ROK Naval forces have participated in the biannual multilateral naval exercise since 1990. * ROK-US combined amphibious landing exercise: The ROK Navy and ROKMC together with the US Navy and [[US Marine Corps]] conduct the exercise annually in Korea. * ROKN-JMSDF SAREX: The ROK Navy and [[Japan Maritime Self Defense Force]] (JMSDF) conducted the search and rescue exercise biannually since 1999. * WP MCMEX/DIVEX: The mine warfare forces of the ROK Navy have participated in the Western Pacific Mine Counter Measure Exercise/Diving Exercise since 2004. * Cruise Training: Since 1954, the ROK Navy has conducted the annual oceangoing training with the fourth year midshipmen (naval cadets) of the Naval Academy to provide on the job training before commissioning them and to foster relations with other navies around the world. * Navy to Navy Talks: The ROK Navy holds regular naval conferences with its counterparts of [[Indonesia]], [[Japan]], [[Malaysia]], the United Kingdom, and United States.<ref>[http://www.navy.go.kr/servlet/Download?file=navypictorial.pdf "해군소개자료집 (PDF Format)"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 16, 2007.</ref> == Ships == {{Details|List of Republic of Korea Navy ships}} [[Image:040702-N-6932B-002.jpg|right|thumb|ROKS ''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin'' (DDH 975) and ROKS ''Ulchi Mundok'' (DDH 972) moored at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii]] The ROK Navy employs the US Navy-style letter based [[hull classification symbols]] to designate the types of its ships and [[hull number]]s to uniquely identify its vessels (e.g. DDH 975). The names are that of the historical figures, provinces, cities, counties, peaks, lakes, islands, and birds. The Chief of Naval Operations selects the names of ships.<ref>[http://www.navy.go.kr/pds/munhwa/munhwa_4_2.jsp "함정 명명식"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved May 11, 2007.</ref> There are four ship rates. The first rate ship (DDH, LPH, MLS, AOE, and ASR) is commanded by a Captain; second rate ship (FF, SS, LST, and ATS) by a Commander; third rate ship (PCC, SSM, PKG, MSH, and MHC) by a Lieutenant Commander. The fourth rate (PKM and LSF) is commanded by a Lieutenant. === Major commissioned ships === In the Republic of Korea Navy, there are some 170 commissioned ships (total displacement of approx. 141,000 tons) including about 10 submarines, 80 patrol craft and 20 auxiliaries as of October 2007. The [[ship prefix]] for the ROK Navy ship is '''ROKS''' (Republic of Korea Ship) when the names of ships are written in English. ==== Surface combatant ==== * [[KDX-II|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin'' class]] (DDH: Destroyer Helicopter; 5 in service) * [[KDX-I|''Kwanggaeto the Great'' class]] (DDH; 3 in service) * [[List of naval ship classes in service#Ulsan class frigate|''Ulsan'' class]] (FF: Frigate; 9 in service) ==== Submarine ==== [[Image:ROKS Lee Sunsin (SS 068) arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.jpg|right|thumb|ROKS ''Lee Sunsin'' (SS 068) arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor for RIMPAC 2008.]] *[[Type 214 submarine|''Son Wonil'' class]] (SS: Submarine; 1 in service) *[[Type 209 submarine|''Chang Bogo'' class]] (SS; 9 in service) *[[Dolgorae class|''Dolgorae'' class]] (SSM: Midget Submarine; 2 in service) ==== Patrol ==== * [[Pohang class corvette|''Pohang'' class]] (PCC: Patrol Combat Corvette; 24 in service) * [[Tonghae class corvette|''Donghae'' class]] (PCC; 4 in service) * [[Chamsuri class patrol vessel|''Chamsuri'' class]] (PKM: Patrol Killer Medium; approx. 80 in service) ==== Amphibious ==== [[Image:071111-N-4010S-005.jpg|right|thumb|Amphibious ship, ROKS ''Dokdo'' (LPH 6111)]] * [[Dokdo class landing platform experimental|''Dokdo'' class]] (LPH: Landing Transport Helicopter<ref>[http://www.navy.go.kr/lngboardread.do?szCtgrID=1&szSeq=7&szSrchType=0&szKwd=&pg=1&pgrp=1 "독도함 시운전 보도에 대한 해군의 입장"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 4, 2007.</ref>; 1 in service) * [[Gojunbong class|''Gojunbong'' class]] (LST: Landing Ship Tank; 4 in service) * [[Solgae 621 class|''Solgae 621'' class]] (LSF: Landing Ship Fast; aka Project 12061E [[Murena-E]]; transferred from [[Russia]]; 3 in service)<ref>[http://www.navy.mil.kr/lngboardread.do?szCtgrID=2&szSeq=148&szSrchType=0&szKwd=&pg=11&pgrp=1 "러시아 공기부양정 1척 한국 도착"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 22, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.rusarm.ru/cataloque/navy_cataloque.html "Navy Catalog" (PDF Format)]. <U>Rosoboronexport State Export Corporation Official Website</U>. Retrieved March 22, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://article.joins.com/article/article.asp?total_id=2481487 "러시아제 공기부양정 동원"]. <U>Joins.com</U>. Retrieved April 5, 2007.</ref> * [[Solgae 631 class|''Solgae 631'' class]] (LSF; aka LSF-II; 1 in service)<ref>[http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2007/04/02/0509000000AKR20070402099300043.HTML "해군, 차기 고속상륙정 '솔개' 전력화"]. <U>YonhapNews</U>. Retrieved April 2, 2007.</ref> ==== Mine warfare ==== *[[Wonsan class minelayer|''Wonsan'' class]] (MLS: Minelayer Ship; 1 in service) *[[Yangyang class|''Yangyang'' class]] (MSH: Minesweeper Hunter; 3 in service)<ref>[http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_1&_id=65081998& "최신예 국산 소해함 ‘해남함’ 취역"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy i-News</U>. Retrieved March 10, 2007.</ref> *[[Ganggyeong class|''Ganggyeong'' class]] (MHC: Minehunter Coastal; 6 in service) ==== Auxiliary ==== * [[Cheonji class|''Cheonji'' class]] (AOE: Fast Combat Support Ship; 3 in service) * [[Cheonghaejin class|''Cheonghaejin'' class]] (ASR: Submarine Rescue Ship; 1 in service) * [[Pyeongtaek class|''Pyeongtaek'' class]] (ATS: Salvage and Rescue Ship; ex-USN ''[[USS Edenton (ATS-1)|Edenton]]'' class; 2 in service) * [[Sinsegi class|''Sinsegi'' class]] (AGS: Surveying Ship; 1 in service) * [[Sincheonji class|''Sincheonji'' class]] (AGS; 1 in service) === Ships in progress (pre-commission) === * [[King Sejong the Great class destroyer|''King Sejong the Great'' class]] (DDG: Destroyer Guided-missile; 3 ships in class: 1 launched; 2 more planned) * [[KD-II|''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin'' class]] (DDH: 6 ships in class; 5 in service; 1 launched) * [[Type 214 submarine|''Son Wonil'' class]] (SS; 9 ships in class: 1 in service; 2 launched; 6 more planned)<ref>[http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_2&_id=155166300 "방사청, 英 구조잠수정 1척 도입키로"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy i-News</U>. Retrieved March 11, 2007.</ref> * [[Gumdoksuri class patrol vessel|''Yoon Young-ha'' class]] [[missile boat]] (PKG: Patrol Killer Guided-missile; 18 ships in class: 1 launched; 17 more planned) * [[Solgae 631 class|''Solgae 631'' class]] (LSF; aka LSF-II; 2 ships in class: 1 in service; 1 under construction)<ref>[http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2007/04/02/0509000000AKR20070402099300043.HTML "해군, 차기 고속상륙정 '솔개' 전력화"]. <U>YonhapNews</U>. Retrieved April 2, 2007.</ref> == Aircraft == [[Image:USN_and_ROK_P-3_Orions.jpg|right|thumb|A ROK Navy P-3 Orion is staged at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe, Hawaii in support of RIMPAC 2004]] Commander Air Wing SIX is the command of the ROK Navy responsible for the operation of the aircraft. Its operational headquarters is located in [[Pohang]], and major naval air stations are established in Pohang, [[Jinhae]], and [[Mokpo]]. Air Wing SIX operates about 10 fixed-wing and 50 rotary-wing aircraft as of 2006. {{Standard table|0}} ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Aircraft ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Versions ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|In service ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes |----- | [[Aérospatiale]] [[Alouette III]] || {{FRA}} || light utility helicopter || SA 319B || n/a || |----- | [[Bell Helicopter]] [[UH-1]] || {{USA}} || utility transport helicopter || UH-1H || n/a || |----- | [[Lockheed Martin]] [[P-3 Orion]]|| {{USA}} || ASW/survellience aircraft || P-3C || 8 || 8 more P-3s to be delivered by 2010 |----- | [[Reims Aviation|Reims]]-[[Cessna]] [[Reims-Cessna F406|F406 Caravan II]] || {{FRA}} <br> {{USA}} || light utility aircraft || F406 || n/a || |----- | [[Sikorsky Aircraft]] [[UH-60]] || {{USA}} || utility transport helicopter || UH-60P || n/a || built by [[Korean Air#Aerospace research and manufacturing|KAL-ASD]] |----- | [[Westland]] [[Westland Lynx|Lynx]] || {{UK}} || ASW helicopter <hr> ASW helicopter|| Lynx Mk.99 <hr> Super Lynx Mk.99A || 11 <hr> 13 || |----- |} == Ongoing projects == === Korean Destroyer Experimental (KDX) program === {{main|Korean Destroyer eXperimental}} [[Korean Destroyer eXperimental|Korean Destroyer Experimental]] was a three-phase program aimed at modernizing surface combatants by building new destroyers with advanced technology and weaponry. The proponents of the program includes the [[KDX-I|KDX-I destroyers (''Kwanggaeto the Great'' class)]], which were first Korean destroyers armed with organic anti-air missiles and replaced aged destroyers transferred from the US Navy; the [[KDX-II|KDX-II destroyers (''Chungmugong Yi Sunshin'' class)]]; [[KDX-III|KDX-III destroyers (''King Sejong the Great'' class)]], which features [[Aegis combat system]]. === Frigate Experimental (FFX) === The FFX project aims to replace the ''Ulsan'' class frigates and ''Donghae''/''Pohang'' class corvettes with new 2,300-ton frigates. The total number of the ships to be built is not clear, but it is speculated that the first batch of six new frigates are to be built by 2015.<ref>[http://www.chosun.com/national/news/200605/200605180417.html "2015년까지 차기 호위함 6척 건조"]. <U>chosun.com</U>. Retrieved March 7, 2007.</ref> === Korean Submarine (KSS) program === {{main|Korean Attack Submarine program}} The KSS program was a three-phased project to build up the ROK Navy's [[submarine]] forces. Before the KSS program, the submarine fleet of the ROK Navy consisted of [[midget submarines]], such as the ''Dolgorae'' class submarine and ''SX 756 Dolphin'' class submarine, which had limited capabilities for inshore operations. Through the first phase, KSS-I, the ROK Navy acquired nine 1,200-ton [[Type 209 submarine|''Chang Bo-go'' class submarines]]. For the second phase, KSS-II, the ROK Navy plans to acquire nine 1,800-ton [[Type 214 submarine]]s with Air-Independent propulsion (AIP) system<ref>[http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_2&_id=155166300 "방사청, 英 구조잠수정 1척 도입키로"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy i-News</U>. Retrieved March 11, 2007.</ref>; the lead ship of her class, the ''Sohn Won-yil'' (SS 072) was launched at a shipyard of Hyundai Heavy Industries on June 9, 2006. In June 2007, the ROK Navy launched its second 1,800-ton submarine named ''Jeong Ji'', after a military general of the [[Goryeo]] Kingdom who defeated Japanese invaders. The Type 214 submarine is expected to play a key role in safeguarding the country's maritime interests as a part of the Navy's Mobile Flotilla. The third phase of the program, KSS-III is scheduled to begin in 2007 and to build the lead ship of her class in 2017. A total of nine 3,000-ton KSS-III submarines are expected to be built in South Korea with indigenous technologies (i.e. not going under license as the previous KSS-I and KSS-II submarines).<ref>[http://article.joins.com/article/article.asp?ctg=10&Total_ID=2641821 "3000t급 잠수함 개발 연내 착수"]. <U>Joins.com</U>. Retrieved March 7, 2007.</ref> === Patrol Killer Experimental (PKX) === {{main|Patrol Killer eXperimental}} Through the PKX program, the ROK Navy plans to build a feet of a next generation [[patrol craft]] with ''Cooperative Engagement Capability'' and enhanced weaponry such as 76&nbsp;mm guns and the KSSM anti-ship missiles. There are two variations of ''Geomdoksuri'' class patrol craft: ''Geomdoksuri''-A and ''Geomdoksuri''-B. The ''Geomdoksuri''-A will be a 400-ton patrol craft with anti-ship missiles; ''Geomdoksuri''-B will be a 200-ton patrol craft serving as the platform design for the ''Geomdoksuri''-A variation. It is speculated that 18 ''Geomdoksuri''-As and 24 ''Geomdoksuri''-Bs are planned. The first batch of nine ''Geomdoksuri''-As are expected to enter in service by 2015 and to replace the aging [[Chamsuri class patrol vessel|''Chamsuri'' class]] patrol craft.<ref>[http://www.segye.com/Service5/ShellView.asp?TreeID=1510&PCode=0007&DataID=200607041527000130 "차기고속정 신형무기 내달 6일부터 시험평가 내년 10월쯤 실전 배치"]. <U>SEGYE.com</U>. Retrieved March 11, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://news.kbs.co.kr/exec/news/news_etc.php?etccode_id=04&id=1256270 "차기 고속정 ‘검독수리-A’ 전투체계 시연 완료"]. <U>KBS News</U>. Retrieved March 7, 2007.</ref> On [[28 June]] [[2007]], the ''Yoon Young-ha'' (PKG 711), the lead ship of her class, was launched at the shipyard of [[Hanjin]] Heavy Industries in [[Busan]]. She is scheduled to be delivered to the South Korean navy in 2008. === Landing Platform Experimental (LPX) === {{main|Dokdo class landing platform experimental}} The LPX project was the ROK Navy's new [[amphibious assault ship|amphibious landing ship]] project for which Hanjin Heavy Industries & Constructions Co. has provided the general design package. The ROK Navy's requirements for the new amphibious landing ships were to enhance Korea's current amphibious operation capability, both in terms of assault and [[military operations other than war]] (MOOTW) type operations. On [[12 July]] [[2005]], ROKS ''Dokdo'' (LPH 6111), the lead ship of her class, was launched at the shipyard of [[Hanjin]] Heavy Industries in [[Busan]]. She was delivered to the South Korean navy in July, 2007. The first air cushion landing craft (ROKS ''LSF 631'') of LSF-II project was delivered for ROKS ''Dokdo'' in April, 2007. === Next amphibious ship project === The ROK Navy plans to acquire four new 4,500-ton amphibious ships between 2014 and 2017. === Maritime patrol aircraft program phase II === Eight ex-USN [[P-3 Orion|P-3]] maritime patrol aircraft will be delivered to the ROK Navy by 2010 after completing upgrades. The ROK Navy has acquired eight [[P-3 Orion|Lockheed P-3C Orion]] aircraft through the maritime patrol aircraft program phase I.<ref>[http://navy.korea.kr/navy/jsp/navy1_branch.jsp?_action=news_view&_property=p_sec_2&_id=155077012 "성능개량 예정 해상초계기 8대 도입"]. <U>Republic of Korea Navy i-News</U>. Retrieved March 23, 2007.</ref> ==See also== *[[Dokdo]] *[[Jinhae]] *[[Joseon Navy]] *[[Korean War]] *[[Naval history of Korea]] *[[North Korean Navy]] *[[Military of South Korea]] *[[Republic of Korea]] *[[Republic of Korea Coast Guard]] *[[Yi Sun-sin]] ==Notes== <div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> <references /> </div> == References == * [http://www.navy.mil.kr/ Republic of Korea Navy official website] * [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/navy.htm Navy - South Korea] GlobalSecurity.org == External links == {{commonscat|Navy of South Korea}} *[http://www.navy.mil.kr/ Republic of Korea Navy official website (Korean)] [http://www.navy.mil.kr/english/main/main.jsp (English)] *[http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/republic_of_korea/rok_index.htm MaritimeQuest ROK Navy Index] {{South Korean armed forces}} [[Category:Military of South Korea]] [[Category:Republic of Korea Navy]] [[ko:대한민국 해군]] [[ja:韓国海軍]]