Royal Marines Exercise In South Korea

Royal Marines have returned to the Korean Peninsula for the second year running to underscore bonds between long-standing allies in the region.

Alongside the US Navy and Marines and Republic of Korea Navy and Marines, the UK Commando Force is taking part in the biannual Exercise Ssang Yong – meaning ‘twin dragons’ – which strengthens allies’ ability to fight and win together.

Marines of Taunton-based 40 Commando arrive in South Korea fresh from an exercise in which they carried out raids in Australia’s Northern Territory as they further established their presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Alpha Company lead the way for the Commando Force as Ssang Yong takes place along South Korea’s east coast and around the Pohang area on the Sea of Japan. 

The Commandos have already carried out raiding rehearsals in preparation for the main phases of Ssang Yong alongside US Marines assigned to the Reconnaissance Company, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Republic of Korea Marines with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.

With the exercise now in full swing, the British contingent are involved in amphibious and air assaults to secure objectives, carrying out raids ahead of the main forces and guiding aircraft to targets on the ground.

To read more, visit the Royal Navy's website.