BUSAN — In a significant display of military collaboration, South Korea's Navy Chief inspected the joint amphibious landing exercise between South Korean and U.S. forces, conducted aboard the USS Boxer, a U.S. amphibious assault ship, on Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Admiral Yang Yong-mo, the Chief of Naval Operations, visited the Combined Maritime Operation Center located at a key naval base in Busan, situated 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul. He received briefings on the ongoing annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which is slated to conclude on Thursday. This visit underscores the continuing strategic cooperation between the two nations' naval forces.

During his time aboard the USS Boxer, which is currently docked at the Busan base, Admiral Yang observed the Ssang Yong amphibious landing drill firsthand. This exercise began on Monday and is set to run for 13 days, involving both nations' Marines and naval forces. Admiral Yang emphasized the importance of strengthening the allies' defense posture, highlighting the capabilities of the forces involved, which he suggested were sufficient to deter adversaries.

The USS Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, plays a critical role in such exercises. It is equipped to carry amphibious landing crafts, various helicopters, and aircraft, including the advanced F-35B stealth fighter, enhancing the operational flexibility and strike capabilities of the allied forces.