Heaven-Sent Power: The Mighty Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong!
On Monday, approximately 70 km (about 44 miles) east of Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, the 7,600-ton Aegis destroyer Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG) led the charge, unleashing a barrage of fire at designated targets. The crew’s powerful shouts echoed as the ship’s guns roared to life. In quick succession, the Yulgok I Yi (DDG), another 7,600-ton Aegis destroyer, followed by the 4,400-ton destroyers Wang Geon and Gang Gam-chan (DDH-II), joined the assault. The thunderous volley of 15 rounds created towering columns of water, swiftly obliterating the target nearly 8 km (about 5 miles) away.
This naval exercise marked a significant milestone for the Mobile Fleet Command, established in February to bolster the Navy’s offensive capabilities. It was their first fleet-level maritime maneuver in the East Sea region. South Korea’s Aegis destroyer fleet, soon to be strengthened by the cutting-edge 8,200-ton Jeongjo Daewang slated for operational deployment in December, currently boasts four vessels. This exercise marked the unprecedented gathering of three of these advanced warships.
Under the command of Rear Admiral Kim In-ho, the drill involved a formidable force of seven ships and three aircraft. The Jeongjo Daewang, though still in its final stages of integration, proudly flew the South Korean naval ensign as it participated in this joint training, commemorating the Navy’s 80th anniversary. Alongside the trio of Aegis destroyers, the Wang Geon and Gang Gam-chan destroyers showcased their prowess, while the 4,200-ton supply ships Cheonji and Daecheong demonstrated the fleet’s logistical capabilities.
The Mobile Fleet Command stands apart from the traditional regional fleets (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) that operate within specific maritime zones. This elite force is designed to conduct agile operations across all waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula, aiming to secure maritime superiority. The concept of a Strategic Mobile Fleet first emerged in October 1989 as part of the Navy’s strategic planning. This vision materialized with the formation of the 7th Mobile Task Force in February 2010, culminating in the establishment of the Mobile Fleet Command in February 2025. These developments have been crucial in enhancing South Korea’s maritime-based three-axis defense system (Kill Chain, KAMD, KMPR).
The exercise, conducted round-the-clock from November 9 to 11, saw participating units alternating between the East and South Seas. They engaged in a comprehensive array of drills, including anti-ship warfare, anti-submarine operations, air defense exercises, and ballistic missile detection and tracking. The morning of November 10th was dedicated to artillery firing exercises, while the afternoon focused on tactical maneuvers and logistical support drills.
The Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong spearheaded the Mobile Fleet formation, initially establishing a line formation before transitioning into a complex battle array. This sophisticated formation combined a diamond-shaped column with an arrow-shaped wedge, strategically positioning the Aegis destroyers and other combat vessels on the perimeter to shield the more vulnerable supply ships at the center. This tactical arrangement is crucial, as supply vessels, carrying essential fuel and munitions, are prime Targets for enemy forces.
The exercise culminated in a 15-minute simulated air defense drill led by the Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong. The ship’s combat information center sprang into action as air defense radars detected unidentified flying objects. These were quickly classified as enemy aircraft and guided missiles. The crew swiftly alerted nearby allied forces before launching SM-2 surface-to-air missiles, successfully neutralizing the simulated threats.
Rear Admiral Kim In-ho, commander of the Navy’s Mobile Fleet, expressed satisfaction with the exercise results. This inaugural fleet-level maritime maneuver has validated the Mobile Fleet’s capability to execute missions across diverse scenarios and locations, he stated. He added that it will continue to conduct realistic, high-intensity training to ensure our forces maintain overwhelming combat readiness in any potential crisis.
