The First Marine Corps-Hosted 'Armed Forces Day Event'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] This year's Armed Forces Day ceremony was held for the first time under the auspices of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. It took place near the 1st Marine Division in Yeongil Bay, Pohang, Gyeongbuk Province, under the theme "The People's Army, the Great Korean Navy." Pohang is also the site where the United Nations forces conducted their first amphibious landing operation during the Korean War.

The event began with President Moon Jae-in boarding the Marine Corps' first amphibious assault helicopter (Marinon) called "Marin One" (call sign) and disembarking onto the Marado ship about 2.5 km offshore from Dogu Beach in Yeongil Bay. The Navy's second large transport ship, the Marado (LPH, 14,500 tons), also performed its first mission during the ceremony. During the national ceremony, the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, the first domestically produced 3,000-ton class submarine (Jangbogo III class) that recently succeeded in test-firing a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), also showcased its presence.

The joint amphibious operation demonstration, showcasing the combined capabilities of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, was conducted under the operation name "Peacemaker." The Navy's maritime patrol aircraft P-3C, the Air Force's E-737 airborne early warning and control aircraft known as "Peace Eye," and the multi-purpose aerial refueling transport aircraft KC-330 (nicknamed Cygnus) were deployed. Apache (AH-64) attack helicopters, Surion, Chinook, and Black Hawk utility helicopters provided fire support and air cover during the air assault.

Marine Corps Headquarters Major Kim Jung-soo received the Hwarang Military Merit Medal, marking the first time in 10 years since the 2011 Aden Bay Dawn Operation that an active-duty soldier was awarded this honor. Eighteen individuals recognized for their contributions during the Yeonpyeong Island shelling were awarded medals and commendations. The Air Force's 5th Air Mobility Wing, which successfully carried out the "Miracle" operation to safely bring Afghan collaborators and their families to Korea and the repatriation of General Hong Beom-do's remains, received a special unit citation from the president. Additionally, 11 other units were awarded the Presidential Citation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.