[2022 National Audit] Navy Chief Lee Jong-ho: "Defense Ministry is Reviewing Participation in Japan Fleet Review"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Navy Chief of Staff Lee Jong-ho said it is "undecided" whether he will participate in the international fleet review to be held in Japan next month.

On the 21st, Chief Lee appeared at the National Assembly National Defense Committee's audit held at the Navy Headquarters in Gyeryongdae, Chungnam, and said, "There is a business trip schedule to Japan to attend the Western Pacific Naval Chiefs Forum, but the attendance at the fleet review has not been decided."

In response, opposition party lawmakers questioned whether the South Korean Navy would attend the fleet review since the event is scheduled for the 6th of next month, which coincides with the business trip period, as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is hosting the international fleet review. Chief Lee reiterated, "(The fleet review) is under review by the Ministry of National Defense and has not yet been decided."

South Korea and Japan have each participated twice in each other's fleet reviews in the past. In 2018, during the previous administration, Japan refused the condition not to raise the Maritime Self-Defense Force flag, which is very similar to the Rising Sun Flag, and did not participate in the South Korean Navy's fleet review.

Chief Lee said regarding the trilateral exercises and security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, "It is necessary from a military perspective. We can receive help in areas where we are vulnerable, such as anti-submarine warfare and interception capabilities."

When asked by People Power Party lawmaker Han Ki-ho whether North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) has been fully operationalized, he replied, "I believe it is in the process of operationalization and research and development." Regarding the communication blackout incident of the Choi Young-class destroyer (4,400 tons, DDH-II) that occurred in July, he said, "Disciplinary actions are underway for nine personnel from two units," and added, "The Chief of Staff takes full responsibility for the Choi Young-class issue and will ensure follow-up measures are taken." The Navy's working environment issues were also addressed.

When Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Hu-deok pointed out the restriction on mobile phone use inside naval vessels by sailors, Chief Lee stated, "We have implemented special measures and from October 1, we have fully allowed the removal of SIM cards for use." Removing the SIM card limits communication functions such as phone calls, but it is still possible to play downloaded videos or games.

Democratic Party lawmaker Song Ok-joo pointed out that 461 non-commissioned officers who served on submarines and vessels have been discharged in the past three years, and 76% of them have moved to the Korea Coast Guard. Chief Lee explained that to secure treatment similar to the Coast Guard, they are promoting the designation of active-duty public officials among non-commissioned officers serving on vessels, saying, "We have submitted the requirement to the Ministry of National Defense and are consulting with the Ministry of Personnel Management and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance." Once vessel personnel are designated as active-duty public officials like the Coast Guard, additional allowances can be paid.

Marine Corps Commander Kim Tae-sung said regarding the inability to conduct artillery firing training on Baengnyeongdo and other areas due to the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement, and the relocation of K-9 self-propelled howitzers to land training grounds for training, "There is no power gap as we are substituting units using the same equipment from the 1st and 2nd divisions."

Commander Kim explained, "Training in the area that becomes the combat zone is the best method. However, since the September 19 agreement is still valid policy-wise, training in various operational environments is also meaningful. Therefore, activities such as loading and unloading artillery on vessels are being conducted as part of operational concepts and training."

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