ROKN Supports RCN Submariner Embark Program Aboard ROKS Ahnmu

Press Release

• ROKN Supports RCN Submariner Embark Program Aboard ROKS Ahnmu

• ROKS Ahnmu conducted training with a RCN submariner embarked during Exercise Silent Shark

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The embark program served as a direct opportunity to introduce the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho-class submarine's excellence from the operator's perspective. The Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy conducted at-sea training from December 5-10 with a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) submariner embarked aboard the 3,000-ton KSS-III ROKS Ahnmu that is participating in the ROK and the United States (U.S.) combined anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise Silent Shark 2025.

This RCN submariner embark program aboard ROKS Ahnmu was prepared as part of expanding personnel and training engagements to maintain momentum of submarine operational cooperation between the two navies in conjunction with the ROK Navy's support of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

It is unprecedented for the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho-class submarine to embark a foreign submariner for training. The existing 1,200 ton SS-I Jang Bo Go-class submarines and the 1,800 ton SS-II Son Won Il-class submarines had exchanged and embarked submariners with foreign navies during combined exercises - such as Silent Shark, the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), and Pacific Reach (PACREACH) - further increasing interoperability and enhancing partnerships.

Canadian Submarine Force Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Etienne Langlois embarked and conducted training aboard ROKS Ahnmu during the combined ASW exercise which began from December 5. CPO1 Langlois is a seasoned submarine sonar technician with 27 years of experience in the RCN, notably serving aboard the Victoria-class submarines and as instructor at the Submarine School.

During this training, the Sailors from ROKS Ahnmu proceeded with an ASW passing exercise, free play, and combined ASW, offering opportunities to CPO1 Langlois to realistically experience and understand the operating procedures for key training scenarios.

Additionally, the Sailors offered an explanation from the operator's perspective on the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho-class submarine's exceptional performance by introducing the systems and equipment that CPO1 Langlois had not experienced before aboard the RCN submarines.

"The first-ever embark training with a RCN submariner aboard the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho-class submarine ROKS Ahnmu during this exercise stands as a symbol of close engagement and mutual cooperation between our navies," said Captain Geonyoung Ahn, the commanding officer of ROKS Ahnmu. "This training and experience aboard the ROK submarine will serve as a great opportunity to once again verify the excellence of the ROK Navy submarines, and moreover, as a catalyst for the ROK Navy's contributions to Korean maritime defense exports."

"The embark program aboard ROKS Ahnmu allowed me to build a strong camaraderie with ROK submariners and also to see firsthand the advanced level of technology on the submarine that the ROK domestically built," said CPO1 Langlois.

“I look forward to achieving mutual growth through continued engagement between our navies."

On the other hand, the ROK Navy will exert continued effort to implement the Total Solution in support of Korean maritime defense exports to include submarines and frigates.

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Noah Notes: This kind of cooperation and exchanging had previously been set out as a major part of the Canada-Korea Security and Defence Cooperation Partnership. Under it Canada and Korea are currently eorking to establish a more comprehensive framework for interoperability, facilitating exchanges of personnel, equipment, and supplies.

So I doubt this will be the last such exchange we will see. Of course it also plays into CPSP, make no doubt, but it isn't the only reason these kinds of things are happening and they'll continue to happen no matter the outcome.

The opportunity for Canadian personnel to train on a KSS-III is a unique treat that has not been given to others. Its a testament to me to how much value the Koreans are putting on us right now, and no doubt these kinds of exhibitions will play into hearts and minds as CPSP comes closer to a decision.

Expect to see a lot more of this in the coming months. No matter what these kinds of exchanges are a great thing. Its not just a learning opportunity but a cultural exchange. It is a foundational pillar to building relationships, if you can believe that. People are people and the more groups of people interact, the more they foster a relationship and sense of connection.

At a time when we are trying to secure long-term relations with Indo-Pacific partners, these kinds of exchanges become a cornerstone of the interservice relationship.

Of course it also never hurts to turn such events in to an opportunity to sell, to which the Koreans dont try to hide anyways.