U.S., ROK Navies to Conduct Mine Countermeasures Exercise

09 November 2015

From Commander, Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea -- The U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) navies will participate in Exercise Clear Horizon, Nov. 9-13, in waters south of the Korean Peninsula.

Clear Horizon is an annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. and ROK navies designed to enhance cooperation and improve capabilities in mine countermeasures operations.

Approximately 330 U.S. Navy personnel assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, along with MH-53E helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 and teams from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 5, will join ROK navy forces for the bilateral training.

During the exercise, U.S. and ROK units will practice clearing routes for shipping and conduct training surveys for clearing operational areas. Mine clearing helicopters will also be utilized to rehearse mine countermeasures operations from the air.

Clear Horizon is one of approximately 20 annual bilateral training exercises held each year between the U.S. and ROK navies aimed at strengthening the alliance and preserving stability and peace around the Korean peninsula and throughout Northeast Asia.

CNFK is the United Nations Component Commander during Armistice and the U.S. and UNC Sending States navies routinely plan, exchange information, train and operate together to strengthen coordination and improve combined capabilities.