The Republic of Korea Navy’s Cheonghae Unit (Somalia Escort Task Group) 48th contingent, the “Wang Geon” (DDH-II, 4,400-ton class), is set to depart from Busan on May 15, 2026, embarking on its overseas deployment.
Since its first mission as the 5th contingent of the Cheonghae Unit in 2010, the Wang Geon is now undertaking its ninth overseas deployment.
The 48th contingent consists of the crew of the Wang Geon, the task group headquarters staff, a boarding and search team composed of special warfare operators (UDT/SEAL), an aviation unit operating a Lynx maritime operations helicopter, and a support unit including Marine Corps members as well as medical and maintenance personnel. Approximately 30% of the 48th contingent, or about 80 personnel, are veterans with prior experience in Cheonghae Unit deployments.
Upon its departure, the Wang Geon is scheduled to relieve the 47th contingent’s Dae Joyeong (DDH-II, 4,400-ton class) in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia. The Wang Geon will carry out missions such as ensuring the safe escort and passage of vessels.
In particular, the Navy stated that in case of emergency, the unit will work to protect Korean nationals and participate in maritime security operations with the Combined Maritime Forces and the EU Naval Force Somalia, thereby supporting national policy objectives.
deployment of the Munmu the Great, the Cheonghae Unit has, over 17 years, escorted over 2,400 vessels, including those from Korea, and supported the safe navigation of more than 39,000 ships.
The unit has also successfully conducted missions such as the 2011 Dawn of Gulf of Aden operation, the 2012 rescue operation for the crew of the Gemini, support for the evacuation of Korean nationals from Yemen in 2015, the 2018 rescue operation for kidnapped crew in the waters off Ghana, and support for the evacuation of Korean nationals from Sudan in 2023
