YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Group (COMSUBGRU) 7 conducted bilateral talks with the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) Oct. 12-13 at Jinhae, Korea.

The 42nd Submarine Warfare Committee Meeting (SWCM) brought together representatives from the U.S. and ROK navies.

Rear Adm. William R. Merz, commander, Submarine Group 7, met with Rear Adm. Youn Jeong Sang, commander, Submarine Force (CSF) (ROKN) to discuss planning combined exercises, training and continued development of integrated anti-submarine warfare plans.

"This provided an excellent opportunity to bolster the alliance between the U.S. submarine force and our Korean counterparts," said Merz. "I am confident that staff talks like these reinforce our partnership in ensuring peace and stability in the region."

At the conclusion of the conference, a formal agreement was signed between COMSUBGRU 7 and CSF, reaffirming the longstanding relationship and pledging continuing support between the two submarine forces.

Established in 1994 during the birth of the ROKN submarine fleet, the conference has evolved into a discussion between U.S. and ROKN submarine forces focused on submarine tactics, force integration and future submarine development.

Youn is the first commander of the newly established ROKN Submarine Force Command.