Royal Marines deployed to the Korean peninsula for the first time
since the Korean War to underscore bonds between long-standing
allies during large-scale exercises.
Nearly 6,000 miles from their Somerset home, Taunton-based Bravo
Company of 40 Commando were involved in training in crisis
response, disaster relief, amphibious landings and coastal
defence alongside the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and the US
Marine Corps.
The exercise comes ahead of further deployments of Royal Marines
across the Indo-Pacific – including exercises in Australia this
summer – as part of ongoing Royal Navy efforts in the
strategically important region, where the security situation is
often challenging and complex.
Royal Navy offshore patrol ships HMS Tamar and HMS Spey have been
on a long-term deployment across the vast region since late 2021,
working with island communities and forging deeper bonds with
allies and partners.
This year marks the 70th anniversary since the end of the Korean
War, during which Royal Marines of 41 Independent Commando saw
action as far north as Lake Chosin and carried out amphibious
raids behind North Korean lines between 1950 and 1951.
Now the green berets have returned to Korean shores and worked
with partners again, during exercises involving some 28,000
Korean and US sailors and marines, 30 warships, 70 aircraft and
50 amphibious assault vehicles.
The training – known as Exercise Ssangyong – was the largest
amphibious activity for five years and took place near Pohang, a
port city on the south-eastern coast of the Republic of Korea,
around 160 miles from capital Seoul in the northwest.
Commandos operated as part of a combined surveillance team,
helping exercise commanders make crucial operational decisions
through reconnaissance actions ashore, and directing strikes onto
targets.
They also proved some of their new technology, including compact
solar panels for charging tactical systems, and carried out
integration training to develop their ability to operate as part
of a combined force on the Korean peninsula, learning how each
other operate and sharing expertise.
Major Aran Sandiford RM, in command of the Commando Forces on the
exercise, said: “This deployment has provided a fantastic
opportunity to further the Royal Marines’ partnerships with the
Republic of Korea Marine Corps and US Marine Corps; two of the
foremost amphibious forces in the world.
“To have elements of Bravo Company embedded within both, really
has been a privilege. Regional security in the Indo-Pacific
matters to all of us, including the UK, and this deployment of
Commando Forces has provided an opportunity to reaffirm our
shared values with two key regional allies.
“I’m looking forward to working with both organisations once
again, on Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, this summer.”
Over the past year, 40 Commando has often been attached to the US
Marine Corps’ forward deployed 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit,
which works across the Western Pacific and Southwest Asia.
Royal Marines themselves are now more often forward deployed as
they continue their bold modernisation, which sees them develop
new tactics and embrace new technologies, while forging stronger
bonds with partners and allies across the globe.
“Ultimately, Royal Marines must be ready to deploy, sustain and
fight anywhere in the world alongside our allies and partners,”
added Maj Sandiford.
