From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – The chairman of the Republic of Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff visited a Korean warship, May 13, as it operated in the Middle East as part of an anti-piracy task force for Combined Maritime Forces.

Gen. Kim Seung-Kyum visited Republic of Korea Navy destroyer ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin (DDH 975) while the ship was pierside in Muscat, Oman. Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin deployed to the Middle East to support counter-piracy mission led by Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, one of five operational task forces under Combined Maritime Forces.

MUSCAT, Oman (May 13, 2023) Crewmembers from Republic of Korea Navy destroyer ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin (DDH 975) pose with distinguished visitors including Gen. Kim Seung-Kyum, chairman of the Republic of Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, while the ship is pierside in Muscat, Oman, May 13, 2023. (Courtesy photo)

CTF 151 is led by Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm. Ko Seung-bum, who joined Kim during the ship visit.

“I have high admiration for the dedication of the captain and crew of the Chungmugong Yi sun-sin and the leadership of CTF 151,” said Kim.

Established in 2009, CTF 151 conducts maritime security operations to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy and armed robbery at sea, outside the Horn of Africa. The Republic of Korea is leading the task force for the sixth time.

The multinational task force has a staff of 30 personnel from a dozen countries. It is headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.