South Korean sailors extend service to join RIMPAC exercise

A group of South Korean Navy sailors have demonstrated exceptional commitment by voluntarily postponing their discharge dates by one to two months to ensure their participation in the 2026 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the world's largest multinational maritime drill.

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I will participate diligently as a member of the Korean military in this RIMPAC exercise and bring honor to our country.

Sailors Jeong Jae-hyeon and Ko Hyeok-nam from the ROKS Jeongjo the Great, and sailor Yang Seon-woo from the ROKS Daejeon, were originally scheduled to complete their service on July 24. They enlisted in November 2024. To fulfill their duties in the RIMPAC exercise, they have extended their service until after the naval drill concludes.

Yang Seon-woo, a deckhand on the ROKS Daejeon, pushed his discharge date to August 22, after the ship's return to South Korea. "I will participate diligently as a member of the Korean military in this RIMPAC exercise and bring honor to our country," Yang stated. Meanwhile, Ko and Jeong, serving on the ROKS Jeongjo the Great, extended their service until September 30. Ko expressed his commitment, saying, "I will do my best for a successful RIMPAC exercise until the day I am discharged," while Jeong added, "It is an honor to participate in the RIMPAC exercise representing the Republic of Korea."

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I will do my best for a successful RIMPAC exercise until the day I am discharged.

The South Korean Navy has sent a significant contingent to this year's RIMPAC, comprising approximately 700 personnel and several vessels, including the ROKS Jeongjo the Great, ROKS Daejeon, ROKS Cheonjabong, and the ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho submarine. Notably, South Korea is the first Asian nation to participate in the RIMPAC maritime component.

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It is an honor to participate in the RIMPAC exercise representing the Republic of Korea.