The Republic of Korea Navy destroyer Munmu the Great (DDH-Ⅱ·4,400t class [about 4,850 short tons]) will put to sea on the 11th to participate in an international fleet review marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and to join a maneuver exercise led by the U.S. Second Fleet. According to the Navy, the Munmu the Great will depart Jeju Naval Base that afternoon and steam to New York to take part in the U.S. fleet review scheduled for July 3–8. The event is expected to feature roughly 100 ships from more than 50 countries, including the host United States, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and Spain.
Ahead of the fleet review, the ship will participate at the end of next month in FLEET-EX 250, a maneuver exercise led by the U.S. Second Fleet in waters east of Virginia. About 30 naval vessels from 18 countries — including the United States, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom and Spain — are slated to take part.
The Munmu the Great will also promote South Korean ships and defense systems during port calls in Mexico and Colombia. The crew plans to set up and operate a maritime defense display booth in the stern hangar. After the international fleet review, on the return voyage the ship will call at Cartagena, Colombia, and San Diego, U.S., to take part in commemorative activities honoring Korean War veterans.
Commander Jung Wan-hee, the ship’s commanding officer, said, “By participating in the international fleet review, we aim to raise the Navy’s profile and showcase the excellence of K-Defense through active military exchanges with navies around the world.”
