림팩서 증명된 월드클래스…미 사령관, 우리 해군 극찬 KFN 국방뉴스 [국방홍보원]

[KFN Defense News] July 9, 2026 Rear Admiral Susan Bailey, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet and Commander of the 2026 RIMPAC Joint Exercise Control Group, highly praised the leadership and capabilities of the South Korean Navy during an official briefing. Reporter Kim Hyo-jin reports on the details. [1] SOV Susan Bailey, Commander of the 2026 RIMPAC Joint Exercise Control Group (Deputy Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet) From my perspective, it was a truly "phenomenal" vessel. They are a "world-class" partner with world-class capabilities. "Phenomenal," meaning wonder that goes beyond the expression "amazing," and "world-class," the modifier used when referring to the best in the world. During a briefing held at the U.S. Department of State on the 6th (local time), Susan Bailey, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet and Commander of the 2026 RIMPAC Joint Exercise Control Group, offered unprecedented praise to a specific nation. That nation is none other than the Republic of Korea Navy. During the briefing, Commander Bailey explained various current issues, including the readiness of the 30-nation coalition and future naval warfare tactics, while highlighting important milestones of the exercise; one of these was the leadership of our Navy. This is seen as a clear demonstration of Korea's stature, as it was appointed as the "Commander of the Maritime Component"—overseeing a massive multinational force—making Korea the fourth country in RIMPAC history, following the United States, Australia, and Canada, and the first Asian nation to hold the position. [2] SOV Susan Bailey, Commander of the 2026 RIMPAC Joint Exercise Control Group (Deputy Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet) The Republic of Korea Navy, and specifically Admiral Kim In-ho, commanding the Maritime Component Command is a powerful demonstration of the strength and maturity of our alliance. This role carries immense responsibility, and the will and capability to lead a multinational force of this scale demonstrates their commitment to regional security. She also went on to share her thoughts on witnessing our Navy's assets and overwhelming maritime maneuverability firsthand. [3] SOV Susan Bailey, Commander of the 2026 RIMPAC Joint Exercise Control Group (Deputy Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet) I have been aboard a Republic of Korea ship; while I will leave the asset assessment to the national level, in my opinion, it is a phenomenal vessel. I believe that having them here will demonstrate the sophistication and strength of the fleet. He repeatedly emphasized that the leadership and force deployment of our military, leading a massive combined fleet for the first time in Asia, is a "model for the future" that the world's militaries should follow, and that he is truly proud to be carrying out missions alongside the Republic of Korea Navy. [4] SOV Susan Bailey, Commander of the 2026 RIMPAC Joint Exercise Control Group (Deputy Commander of the U.S. 3rd Fleet) They are world-class partners and possess world-class capabilities. Korea's leadership and troop deployment at RIMPAC are clearly a model for the future. We are truly proud to serve in this role alongside our Korean allies. Through the confident voice of the U.S. Joint Exercise Control Group Commander, the status of the Republic of Korea Navy has once again been proven to the world as world-class. This is Kim Hyo-jin from Defense News. #RIMPAC #2026RIMPAC #2026RIMPACExercise #Navy #RepublicofKoreaNavy #RIMPACExercise #CombinedFleet #ReporterKimHyojin