Canada, South Korea take part in historic joint naval drills

The joint naval operation commemorates history and looks optimistically to both countries’ military futures. Adrian Ghobrial reports.

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Canadian and Korean navies have come together in Victoria, British Columbia this week to recognize their history and work together to forge an ironclad military partnership.

The Republic of Korea’s Navy arrived at CFB Esquimalt over the weekend on board its KSS-III submarine. A bid is in place for the federal government to purchase a dozen of these state-of-the-art, diesel-electric South Korean-made submarines at a price tag set at roughly $25 billion.

The only other finalist vying to deliver Canada’s next generation submarine, is a joint German, Norwegian submission by shipbuilding powerhouse: TKMS.

At a wreath-laying ceremony at the B.C. Legislature Cenotaph, members of the Republic of Korea Navy paid their respects to the 516 Canadians killed during the Korean war and saluted those who survived the deadly conflict that began 76 years ago.

“Our first casualty was on the 1st of January. We never forget them. Today’s ceremony means a lot,” shares Canadian Korean War veteran, retired major Gerry Ratchford.

As a trumpet sounds at the joint naval ceremony, Canada and Korea recognize their past as the two middle powers work to secure a stronger military alliance.

“Every time we have an opportunity to work together, we should,” says Rear Admiral David Patchell of the Canadian Maritime Forces.

While putting their best marketing pitch forward along the shores of B.C., the Korean Navy is also working with Canada to conduct the first ever joint naval drills exclusively between the two countries while in a simulated war-time environment. Naval frigates, submarines, and the air force are all involved.

Earlier this month the Republic of Korea Navy confirmed that its submarine had successfully established communications with the Royal Canadian Navy Pacific Fleet using its onboard system, verifying interoperability between the two navies in an operational environment.

Speaking to CTV National News, the Republic of Korea’s Admiral Chief of Naval Operations, Kyung Ryul Kim, said that co-operation in the open ocean between Canada and South Korea means security and prosperity for both nations.

During a one-on-one interview with CTV National News, Maritime Forces Pacific Rear Admiral Patchell shared why he believes its important for allies to begin working closely together in a quickly changing geopolitical landscape.

“Learning how to communicate together, how to operate together, understanding the capabilities of each others’ navies… We build that trust, so when we need to fight together, we’re ready to do so,” says Rear Admiral Patchell.

On this day, retired major Ratchford shares that he’s celebrating his 98^th birthday. He says the memory of fighting alongside Korean soldiers more than seven decades ago has stayed with him through the years.

The Canada-Korea war veteran believes a rekindled relationship between the two proud nations will serve Canadians well for generations to come.

“A ceremony like this one here today, to me it means the unification of the two countries, and I hope it stays that way,” shares retired major Rachford.

This month’s joint naval exercise between the Republic of Korea and Canada underscores the importance shared by the Royal Canadian Navy to have deeper connectivity and co-operation with allied nation navies, across the Indo-Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans.