On Monday, the deputy commander of the U.S. Third Fleet hailed the South Korean Navy's inaugural role as the combined maritime force commander in the 2026 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) as a crucial milestone. This development, she noted, exemplifies the strength and maturity of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

Rear Adm. Suzanne Bailey, who heads the RIMPAC command, shared these insights during a virtual press briefing on the exercise when questioned about the South Korean Navy's involvement.

Adm. Bailey emphasized that the presence of the South Korean Navy, particularly Rear Adm. Kim In-ho as the maritime force commander, serves as compelling evidence of the alliance's robustness and sophistication. She underscored the significant responsibilities accompanying this role.

The admiral further remarked that South Korea's readiness and ability to lead a multinational force of this magnitude clearly demonstrates its unwavering commitment to regional security.

Praising South Korean naval capabilities, Adm. Bailey stated that she's had the opportunity to board their vessels, and they are truly outstanding. She stressed that South Korea is undoubtedly a world-class partner with world-class capabilities.

Adm. Bailey predicted that South Korea's leadership and force deployment during RIMPAC will set a benchmark for future operations. She explained that this showcases the shared commitment to a free and open Pacific while bolstering collective capabilities to ensure regional stability.

This year's RIMPAC is scheduled from June 24 to July 31, encompassing Hawaii and the surrounding Pacific region. The exercise will involve over 25,000 troops from 31 nations.

The South Korean Navy has assumed the role of combined naval force commander for the first time since its initial participation in RIMPAC in 1990.

Adm. Bailey outlined key components of this year's exercise, including the integration of unmanned systems, live-fire sinking exercises (SINKEX), and approximately 40 fleet experimentation programs.

Regarding unmanned systems, she emphasized their critical role in contemporary and future naval warfare. It's collaborating with our allies and partners to seamlessly integrate manned and unmanned platforms into a cohesive, potent combat and defense force, she explained.

Adm. Bailey identified the integrated operation of manned and unmanned forces as a primary focus for this year's RIMPAC.

She asserted that unmanned systems aren't just an incremental advancement for the Navy; they're absolutely vital in modern and future naval warfare. The admiral added that they're working alongside partner nations to merge manned and unmanned platforms into a unified, formidable combat and defense force.

Furthermore, she detailed that this year's RIMPAC encompasses roughly 40 experimental projects within the fleet experimentation program. These initiatives aim to test cutting-edge technologies and novel combat concepts in real-world scenarios, gathering crucial feedback from frontline personnel.

Adm. Bailey also highlighted Sinking Exercise (SINKEX) as one of RIMPAC's most prominent training events. She described it as the most realistic exercise, where participating forces collaborate to detect, track, and engage targets with live fire alongside allied nations.

On Monday, the deputy commander of the U.S. Third Fleet hailed the South Korean Navy's ina …

2026 RIMPAC: How South Korea's Navy is Leading Multinational Forces for the First Time