To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, around 460 sailors, including approximately 150 midshipmen from the 78th class of ROK Naval Academy are on board the ROKS Hansando and Hwacheon in the 7th circumnavigation in the history of the ROKN Cruise Training.
CTTG will organize multiple events including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War memorial alongside a visit to the Korean War memorial hall, on-board reception, ship tour and defense industry exhibition, ROK Navy·Philippine Navy joint cultural performance, and a combined exercise.
The 2023 CTTG (Commander, RDML Cho, Choong-Ho) is entering the port of Manila, Philippines as its 12th port of call from December 27th (Wed.) to January 2nd, 2024(Sun.) for 7 days. This year marks the 28th visit of CTTG to the Philippines, which is the highest record for the port calls made amongst Asian countries.
Two Korean Navy ships carrying more than 400 sailors made a port call in Manila as part of its 7th circumnavigation to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice agreement.
The Korean Navy cruise training task group (CTTG) with helicopter training ship ROKS Hansando and combat support ship ROKS Hwacheon docked at the Manila South Harbor on Dec. 27.
The visit marks the 70th Korean War ceasefire by promoting maritime security and the shared universal values of freedom and peace.
According to CTTG Commander RDML Choong-ho Cho, the visit would pave the way to enhance friendship and military cooperation with the Philippines.
South Korea in the Battle of Yultong when the Korean War broke out was supported by 22 states including Manila with a total of 7,420 Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK).
The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed in July 1953, the hostilities that killed millions of civilians were suspended and the 241-kilometer-long demilitarized zone (DMZ) was formed.
The Korean Embassy in Manila said the training group will be holding a series of activities during its seven-day port call until Jan. 2. It will also organize a Defense Industry Exhibition on board ROKS Hwacheon and host Philippine Navy officers to showcase Korea’s Navy Sea GHOST or Guardian Harmonized with Operating manned Systems and Technology-based unmanned system.
