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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

Navy's Daejeon Frigate Named 'Top Gun of the Sea' at RIMPAC Exercise

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • The South Korean Navy's frigate Daejeon was selected as the 'Top Gun of the Sea' at the multinational RIMPAC 2026 exercise.
  • This marks the first time a South Korean naval vessel has received this honor since the Sejong the Great destroyer in 2010, 16 years ago.
  • The Daejeon frigate achieved the highest score in the naval firepower support competition, demonstrating its crew's high mission proficiency and teamwork.

The South Korean Navy's 3,100-ton frigate, Daejeon, has been awarded the prestigious 'Top Gun of the Sea' title at the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2026. This significant achievement marks the first time a South Korean naval vessel has earned this distinction since the Sejong the Great destroyer in 2010, a gap of 16 years.

The Daejeon frigate secured the top spot in the naval firepower support competition, which involved 13 vessels from 10 participating nations. The competition, held off the coast of Hawaii, tested the accuracy of naval gunnery, with ships firing five 5-inch shells at a target 7.2 kilometers away. The Daejeon frigate achieved the smallest cumulative error distance, earning it the highest score.

This award for the best warship is the result of all the Daejeon crew members dedicating themselves to the training with one heart, and it is a meaningful achievement that recognizes the excellence of South Korea's K-defense industry and the Navy's outstanding operational capabilities on the international stage.

— Lee Jeong-sooCommander of the Daejeon frigate, reflecting on the award.

According to the Navy, the crew of the Daejeon underwent extensive tactical discussions and repeated live-fire drills to master firing procedures, essential for the demanding conditions of both domestic waters and the open Pacific Ocean. This rigorous preparation highlighted the crew's high mission proficiency and strong teamwork.

Commander Lee Jeong-soo of the Daejeon expressed pride in the crew's dedication, stating, "This award for the best warship is the result of all the Daejeon crew members dedicating themselves to the training with one heart." He added that it is a meaningful achievement that recognizes the excellence of South Korea's K-defense industry and the Navy's outstanding operational capabilities on the international stage. The Navy remains committed to continuously strengthening its combat readiness.

We will continue to strengthen our combat capabilities to reliably complete assigned missions through practical education and training.

— Lee Jeong-sooStating the Navy's commitment to future readiness.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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