WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (UPI) — Naval forces from the United States and the Republic of Korea concluded the joint training exercise Clear Horizon on Friday.
Clear Horizon is an annual event between the U.S. and South Korean navies that focuses on coordination between ships and aircraft in mine countermeasures in international waters. The exercise is held off the coast of the Korean penninsula. Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, the commander of Naval Forces Korea says the exercise builds on the partnership between the two naval forces in addition to honing important skills.
“The threat of mines can have a crippling effect both militarily and economically and it is the enduring threat of mines in the waters around the peninsula that is the driving force behind this exercise,” Byrne said in a statement.
For the exercise, the U.S. Navy committed 330 personnel assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit. Sailors also worked to improve communication capabilities during flight deck operations. HM-1 teamed up with South Korean Navy ship Wonsan for numerous take-off and landing drills using a MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter.
“This was important because it allowed our crew an opportunity to increase our proficiency in supporting various platforms,” Republic of Korea Navy Cmdr. Kim, Ki-Hyun said.
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