Combined Edge Kicks Off in Korea

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class William Carlisle | 190918-N-TB148-003 PYEONGTAEK, Republic of Korea (Sept. 18, 2019) Junior officers assigned to commands from U.S. Seventh Fleet participate in the 12th Combined edge officer exchange. Combined Edge was formed to improve combined war fighting integration and interoperability between the U.S. and ROK navies by allowing U.S. Navy officers to observe ROK installations, ships and tactics firsthand. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Carlisle)  

PYONGTAEK, 28, SOUTH KOREA

09.20.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class William Carlisle 

Commander, Naval Forces Korea

PYEONGTAEK, Republic of Korea – Three junior officers assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet units visited Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy installations, operational units, and Korean cultural sites as part of the 12th Combined Edge Ship Rider Exchange Program, Sept. 16-20.

Combined Edge was established in 2016 to improve combined war fighting integration and interoperability, cement relationships, and build mutual trust and understanding between the U.S. and ROK navies by affording U.S. Navy officers an opportunity to embark ROK Navy vessels conducting operations in support of the defense of the ROK.

“Combined Edge is the best ship rider exchange program in the Navy,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Li, a security cooperation planner assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea. “The program provides U.S. officers a rare and unique opportunity to observe our ROK Navy ally operating within one of the Indo-Pacific region’s most challenging operating environments. The ROK Navy continues to maintain a high state of readiness while enduring a high operational tempo.”

Prior to embarking on the ROKS Han Sanggook (PKG 712), a Yoon Youngha-class patrol vessel, the three officers received guided tours of the ROK 2nd Fleet Headquarters, the West Sea Protection Hall, and the ROKS Cheonan Memorial, where they gained a deeper understanding of the importance the ROK Navy places on its maritime history and naval heritage.

Lt. Christopher Evans, a Combined Edge ship rider currently assigned to Tactical Operations Center Kadena, said the Koreans have a more immediate sense of their own military history.

“The U.S. military has been important in shaping our country over the course of a few hundred years,” Evans said. “In regards to the Korean military, the impacts of more recent historical events, like the Incheon landing or the Cheonan attack, remain fresh in their minds and greatly shape their operational decision making in the present day.”

While on board ROKS Han Sanggook, the officers learned about the patrol vessel’s capabilities and how the crew executes their enduring mission of monitoring and patrolling near the ROK Northwest Islands within the ROK 2nd Fleet area of responsibility.

“It is amazing to compare the similarities and differences in ROK Navy and U.S. Navy tactics,” said Lt. j.g. Gerad Stier, a Combined Edge ship rider assigned to USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). “While we focus on global power projection and sea power, they are more focused on coastal defense and protecting local waters to include the Northwest Island area, but I noticed many instances where the ROK Navy has effectively emulated the way we exercise and operate.”

Lt. Tony Ho, a Combined Edge ship rider currently assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, said he was honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of such an impactful program that is instrumental in strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance and deepening the ironclad ROK Navy and U.S Navy relationship.

“This has been an incredible experience, getting to see all the ROK bases and ships here these last couple days,” Ho said. “Only through a strong sense of teamwork can we hope to stay on the forefront of naval superiority in the area, and I think this exchange really helps build toward that.”

Li agreed and hopes the exchange program only grows bigger in the future.

“The program serves as a true eye-opener for our officers,” Li said. “Only by participating in this immersive ship rider exchange can our leaders gain a deep appreciation and firm understanding of how our alliance partner thinks, trains, and operates.” Li closed by saying, “Although our two navies adhere to the same principles of naval warfare, the ROK Navy often applies innovative tactics to effectively address the complex operating environment found here in Korea—I encourage other motivated U.S. Navy officers to participate in future iterations of the Combined Edge program to observe this first hand.”

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, follow us at www.facebook.com/usnavykorea.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2019
• Date Posted: 10.02.2019 01:57
• Story ID: 345147
• Location: PYONGTAEK, 28, KR