Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, acting on behalf of the president, urged the Cheonghae Unit deployed in Somalia to ensure the safe navigation of our ships.
The Office for Government Policy Coordination reported on the 11th that Acting Prime Minister Han had a currency with Naval Captain Kwon Yong-gu, the commander of the 44th Cheonghae Unit, deployed overseas in the Aden Gulf area of Somalia, from his office at the Government Seoul Complex.
During the currency, Acting Prime Minister Han expressed gratitude to the commander of the Cheonghae Unit and the troops carrying out missions for the safe activities of our ships in distant lands. He emphasized the current severe situation in the Middle East and ordered all unit members to maintain a firm military readiness posture.
Acting Prime Minister Han instructed them to support the safe navigation of our ships and to pay special attention to ensuring the safety of the troops. With the upcoming mission rotation between the 44th and 45th Cheonghae Units on the 16th, he also directed them to hand over duties properly to the next commander.
On this day, Acting Prime Minister Han also took care of the health status of the unit members and the supply of food ingredients. In particular, he mentioned the five troops who postponed their discharge to complete their mission, saying, “They are very dependable and I am proud of them.” Regarding a sergeant who continued mission duties despite his father's passing, he stated, “My heart is very heavy, and please encourage their hard work.”
Captain Kwon said, “I will fulfill my mission to the end to protect international maritime security” and stated, “I will take care of the safety and welfare of the unit members.”
The 44th Cheonghae Unit supported the escort and navigation of over 500 of our ships. They also assisted the safe navigation of foreign vessels and participated in numerous maritime security operations.