JEJU, South Korea – Rear Adm. Jimmy Pitts, Commander, Submarine Group 7, visited Jeju, South Korea Oct. 22-24 for the 50th iteration of the semiannual Submarine Warfare Committee Meeting (SWCM) with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Submarine Force.
Pitts met with Rear Adm. Jung Il Shik, Commander, ROK Navy Submarine Force, to further enhance the close relationship between the two commands. SWCM was established in 1994, during the birth of the ROK submarine force. Over the past 25 years, leaders of both the U.S. and ROK submarine forces have met consistently in recognition of the importance of combined submarine training and force integration.
“These meetings give us the opportunity to expand the submarine force alliance between the USN and ROKN,” said Pitts. “Submariners around the world are a small, close-knit community. To accomplish our missions, we continually sharpen our skills in both individual and team endurance. It’s a great opportunity to contribute to the joint effort to make sure our training is realistic, and can help our submariners.”
The leaders signed a formal agreement at the conclusion of the conference that affirmed the longstanding relationship and pledges continued support between the two submarine forces.
“As part of the 50th SWCM celebration, we made slogan 'Deeper the water, Deeper the friendship',” said Jung. “SWCM serves as an opportunity for us to enhance our friendship and common acknowledgement and share our Submarine Forces' spirit, beyond just cooperation. And I believe this is a huge asset for us to realistically improve implementation capabilities of combined operation.”
He added, “We have drawn more than 500 action items over the last 50 meetings, resulting in comprehensive development in all domains, such as operations tactics, education and training, and mutual logistics support.”
Over the past 25 years, SWCM has evolved into a discussion about submarine tactics, force integration and future submarine development.