After arriving in Hawaii on July 31st, Lee visited the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and met veterans of the Korean War. The following day he boarded the USS Essex, the flagship of the Combined Task Force 176 –RIMPAC 2022’s amphibious task force commanded by Rear Admiral Sangmin An from the ROKN.
“RIMPAC 2022 has special significance for the ROKN, with a Korean Admiral serving as the head of the amphibious assault force for the first time in the exercise’s history…RIMPAC 2022 has significantly strengthened the interoperability and operational capabilities of the coalition.“
Admiral Lee Jong-ho, ROKN CNO
Following his visit to the USS Essex, Lee met U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo at the headquarters of the U.S Pacific Fleet and discussed military cooperation between the two countries.
On August 2nd, Lee met with Admiral John C. Aquilino, the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The two discussed the importance of greater cooperation in the Indo-Pacific theater and the possibility of expanding joint exercises in the future. Lee also presented Aquilino with the Tongil Medal, South Korea’s highest Order of National Security Merit.
“The U.S. Pacific Command is central for maintenance of security on the Korean Peninsula. It is also a friend and brother in arms to the South Korean military. I am confident that the ROK and U.S. Navies, which have established a deep partnership at sea, will overcome any difficulty and obstacle together.“
Admiral Lee Jong-ho, ROKN CNO
On August 3rd, Lee visited the ROKS Marado, the largest South Korean warship ever deployed to RIMPAC, commending its sailors and officers for their “top-tier achievements” during the exercise. The following day, Lee gave the keynote speech at the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Exchange and met with major officials from several other navies, including Paparo, U.S. 3rd Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Michael Boyle, and CNO of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.
“In order to ensure that the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open we need the cooperation of our allies and partners.”
Admiral Samuel Paparo, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander
“RIMPAC has allowed our Navy to grow from one that used to receive assistance to one that ‘contributes to freedom, peace, and prosperity.’ We will continue to defend the common goal of maintaining order in the region and contribute to world peace.”
Admiral Lee Jong-ho, ROKN CNO
Lee flew to Washington on August 5th, where he met Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. The two discussed a wide range of defense-related issues, including security on the Korean peninsula and cooperation between the ROKN and U.S. Navy. Lee also visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the same day.
He finished off his visit by meeting with the South Korean marine and navy military attachés on August 6th.
