US, South Korea conduct joint naval salvage exercise off Changwon

The United States and South Korea have completed a joint naval exercise aimed at enhancing their shared capabilities in maritime salvage and rescue operations during both wartime and peacetime.

The five-day drill, which began on Monday, took place in the waters off Changwon, located approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) southeast of Seoul.

The exercise featured the South Korean Navy’s Gwangyang salvage and rescue ship, along with troops from the Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit, as well as the US Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit. The drill focused on preparing both nations' naval forces for a variety of joint operations in response to maritime distress situations.

Throughout the exercise, participants engaged in a range of training activities, including scuba diving exercises aimed at searching for personnel from a simulated shipwreck. They also practiced using a diving bell to transport divers to depths of 40 to 50 meters underwater.

In addition to South Korean and US forces, the exercise also saw the participation of South Korea's Coast Guard personnel, with British and Australian troops observing the training. The joint drill underscores the growing cooperation between the US and South Korea in enhancing their ability to respond effectively to maritime emergencies.

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