U.S. and ROK navies complete 2026 combined mine warfare exercise

POHANG, South Korea — The U.S. Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy concluded the 2026 ROK–U.S. Combined Mine Warfare Exercise near Pohang on April 24, wrapping up five days of training held April 20–24.

Across the exercise, participating forces worked to open a safe passage for ships through a simulated minefield. The bilateral team employed advanced mine-hunting, detection, and neutralization methods, including the underwater detonation of a simulated mine.

The event is part of an annual series designed to sharpen mine countermeasure proficiency and to refine shared procedures and capabilities so both navies can operate together seamlessly.

Commanders from ROKN Mine Squadron 52 (MINRON 52) and U.S. Navy Commander, Task Force 77 (CTF 77) jointly directed mine-hunting tasks, enabling U.S. and ROKN personnel to practice communications and integration as a single team while maximizing their combined capability.

U.S. Navy participants included Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 and staff assigned to CTF-77.

ROKN participants included the Yangyang-class minehunter ROKS Namhae (MSH-575), the Nampo-class minelayer ROKS Nampo (MLS-570), the Cheonghaejin-class submarine rescue ship ROKS Cheonghaejin (ASR-21), two explosive ordnance disposal companies, and staff assigned to MINRON 52.

U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, regularly operates with allies and partners to help maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.