The Republic of Korea Navy bid farewell to one of its longtime frontline vessels on Friday as the Republic of Korea Ship Gwangmyeong was decommissioned during a ceremony held at Jinhae Naval Base in Changwon.
The event was presided over by Admiral Kim Kyung Ryul, Commander of Naval Operations, and attended by former commanding officers and crew members of the Gwangmyeong, along with senior regional commanders.
The Gwangmyeong, the 22nd ship in the Pohang-class corvette series, was built at the Korea Tacoma Shipyard and commissioned in July 1990.
Over its service life, the vessel played a key role in maritime defense missions under several units, including the 5th Escort Flotilla, the 1st Fleet Command, and the 3rd Fleet Command.
As a frontline combat ship, the Gwangmyeong was equipped with a range of weapons, including 76 mm (3.0 in) and 40 mm (1.6 in) naval guns, anti-ship missiles, and lightweight torpedoes.
Its combat capability was demonstrated in December 1998, when it tracked and sank a North Korean semi-submersible vessel after a 7-hour pursuit off the coast of Yeosu. This operational record led to its designation as the Navy’s Top Gun Ship in 2017.
In addition to combat missions, the Gwangmyeong also played an important role in maritime safety operations. In June 2015, the ship’s crew rescued 12 fishermen from a burning vessel off the coast of Sokcho, highlighting its versatility in both defense and humanitarian roles.
The Gwangmyeong is scheduled to be officially decommissioned on December 31.
During the ceremony, Admiral Kim praised the ship’s long service, saying the Gwangmyeong had served as a cornerstone of the Navy and faithfully carried out its mission to protect South Korea’s maritime interests. He added that the vessel’s legacy and achievements will remain an enduring part of the Navy’s history.
As part of its broader modernization program, the Republic of Korea Navy is retiring aging corvettes such as the Gwangmyeong.
To maintain and strengthen maritime defense capabilities, the Navy is introducing new guided-missile frigates, including the 2,500-ton Incheon-class, the 3,100-ton Daegu-class, and the 3,600-ton Chungnam-class vessels.