By Reporter Kayla lee  

President Yoon Suk-yeol and the First Lady visited the US Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) named Kentucky, which was docked at the Busan Naval Operations Base on July 19.

▲  President Yoon Suk-yeol delivers an encouraging speech in front of the U.S. Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Kentucky (SSBN-737) upon its arrival at the Busan Naval Operations Base in Nam-gu, Busan on July 19./ Courtesy of the  Presidential Office

The President's spokesperson, Lee Do-woon, stated in a written briefing, "President Yoon's visit to the ballistic missile submarine is the first of its kind for a foreign head of state, including ally nations. It was planned to demonstrate President Yoon's determination to achieve 'peace through strength' based on the solid South Korea-US alliance."

This visit to a US nuclear submarine is the first in 42 years since 1981 and comes as a follow-up measure to the "Washington Declaration" agreed upon by the South Korean and US leaders in April. It reflects the strong commitment to fulfilling the US extended deterrence pledge for the defense of South Korea.

Prior to boarding the submarine, President Yoon participated in a meeting with key participants from the South Korean and US militaries at the presidential office on the previous day. He toured the command center, missile control room, and missile storage compartment inside the Kentucky submarine. Additionally, he received a briefing from the submarine's captain regarding its nuclear capabilities.

President Yoon expressed confidence in the joint US-South Korea response capabilities against North Korean nuclear threats after personally witnessing the US's critical nuclear strategic assets. He praised the deployment of the Kentucky submarine, one of the most potent strategic assets in existence, as a showcase of the determination of both countries to strengthen extended deterrence.

The President emphasized that the visit to the US submarine and the regular deployment of strategic assets, such as SSBNs, would enable an overwhelming and resolute response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, solidifying the cooperation between South Korea and the US.

Upon welcoming remarks, US-ROK Combined Forces Command General Paul J. LaCamera stated that the Kentucky is the most survivable of the three axes of the US's nuclear capabilities and a major element of its extended deterrence power. He highlighted that the submarine's visit to Korea after about 40 years demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the US to the defense of South Korea.

President Yoon later visited the Naval Operations Command and encouraged the South Korean and US soldiers who work together for joint operations. He was briefed on the Navy's operational readiness posture.

Upon arrival, the President wrote in the guestbook, calling it "the cornerstone of the mighty Republic of Korea Navy's global security cooperation." He also took commemorative photos with key officials.

The President also visited the Joint Task Force for Combined Operations, where South Korean and US soldiers work together, and expressed encouragement. He noted that the motto of the ROK-US Combined Forces is "We go together," while the Naval Operations Command's motto is "We sail together." He joined the soldiers in shouting "We sail together."

▲  President Yoon Suk-yeol's message in the guestbook

After receiving a briefing on military operational readiness at the command center, President Yoon expressed gratitude to the soldiers of the Republic of Korea military, who defend the nation from various locations on the frontlines and safeguard the lives and properties of citizens during disasters. He also thanked the US soldiers stationed in Korea, who dedicate themselves to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The President praised, "The Navy Command has played a significant role in advancing the combined defense posture of South Korea and the United States by successfully conducting joint maritime exercises with the U.S. Carrier Strike Group, the trilateral U.S.-South Korea-Japan missile defense exercise, and the trilateral U.S.-South Korea-Japan anti-submarine warfare exercise, given the escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea."

Furthermore, the President acknowledged the successful exploration and recovery of debris from a recently launched projectile claimed to be an artificial satellite by North Korea, demonstrating the exceptional operational capability of our military. The President expressed gratitude and recognition for the dedication of the servicemen and women who are tirelessly carrying out their missions, even in challenging conditions.

Before visiting the Navy Command, the President mentioned the visit to the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Kentucky, stating that it showcased the expansion of the deterrence capabilities and the action-oriented alliance between South Korea and the U.S., as outlined in the Washington Declaration adopted by himself and U.S. President Biden in April.

The President emphasized that peace cannot be taken for granted and true peace is ensured through the overwhelming and robust strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Drawing from the firsthand experience of witnessing the tragic consequences of war in Ukraine, the President underscored the importance of a strong defense capability in preventing wars and maintaining peace. He recognized that the mental strength of soldiers on the battlefield plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of conflicts, and he urged all South Korean and U.S. troops to be mentally prepared for combat through realistic training.

In conclusion, the President expressed his firm trust in our troops as the leaders of the military, wishing them success and well-being.

▲  First Lady Kim Keon-hee takes a commemorative photo with female South Korean and U.S. military personnel at the Navy Club in the Navy Command./ Courtesy of the Presidential Offic

Meanwhile, First Lady Kim Keon-hee separately held a conversation with female South Korean and U.S. military personnel at the Navy Club in the Navy Command. She commended their sense of duty in protecting the seas and the unique blend of sensibility and strength displayed by women in carrying out their duties. She encouraged them to strengthen the capabilities of the military through the advantages of female soldiers and continue their efforts for the homeland and peace.

The event was attended by various officials from both South Korea and the U.S., including Defense Minister Lee Jong-seob, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lee Jong-ho, and Navy Commander Kim Myeong-su, as well as U.S. Forces Korea Commander Paul J. LaCamera, National Security Council Director for Defense and Military Policy Cara Abercrombie, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Vipin Narang, and Charge d'Affaires Joy Sakurai, among others. Additionally, high-ranking officials from the South Korean presidential office were also present.