Dozens of amphibious vehicles carrying South Korean and U.S. Marines charged ashore Monday to secure target areas as part of combined drills designed to enhance their amphibious landing capabilities.
The drills took place across two coastal areas in Pohang, 273 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as the key phase of the allies’ annual Ssang Yong (double dragon) exercise that kicked off last Monday for a 13-day run.
South Korean Marines take part in a combined amphibious landing exercise with U.S. troops at a coastal area in Pohang, 273 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Sept. 2, 2024, in this photo provided by the Marine Corps. (Yonhap)
South Korean and U.S. commandos, along with the South’s drones, first scouted the coastal areas before U.S. F-35B stealth fighters and AH-1Z attack helicopters fired upon simulated enemy targets to secure the areas for landing, the Marine Corps said.
More than 50 South Korean and U.S. amphibious vehicles then charged onto the coast, followed by paratroopers jumping from a C-130
transport plane onto the target areas.
This year’s Ssang Yong exercise featured a combined staff of South Korean and U.S. officers leading the drills for the first time. They oversaw the drills aboard the South Korean Navy’s ROKS Marado amphibious assault ship.
The exercise has mobilized some 40 warships, including the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship, and around 40 aircraft, including the U.S. V-22 Osprey. A company-level Marine commando unit from Britain also joined the exercise for the second consecutive year.
Source: Yonhap News Agency