South Korean Destroyer Departs for Six-Month Anti-Piracy Deployment in Gulf of Aden

A 4,400-ton South Korean destroyer departed from a naval base in the southeastern city of Busan on May 15, 2026, to join the Cheonghae unit on an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden off the Somali coast. The ROKS Wang Geon left the base, about 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Friday for rotational deployment, the ROK Navy said.

Yonhap reported that the departure marks the ninth time the destroyer has been sent on an overseas mission and that it will be the 48th vessel deployed to the Cheonghae unit.

Around 260 troops are being sent on a six-month tour aboard the ship. The contingent consists of crew members of the destroyer, a boarding team from the naval special warfare flotilla, and an aviation unit operating Lynx helicopters. The Cheonghae unit is mainly tasked with escorting South Korean vessels in the Gulf of Aden while supporting international efforts to maintain maritime safety and respond to terror threats.

In the event of contingencies, the unit will take part in maritime security operations led by the Combined Maritime Forces and the EU Naval Force Somalia. The current scope of operation for the Cheonghae unit is restricted to waters off Somalia.

U.S. Efforts and the National Assembly approves. The South Korean mission has conducted air defense drills and reinforced counter-drone systems to better prepare for various threats that could arise, the ROK Navy said. -led Maritime Freedom Construct or the multinational mission led by France and Britain.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pressured allies including South Korea and Japan to support efforts to keep the crucial oil shipping route open. -Israeli strikes against Iran. During ministerial-level talks at the Pentagon earlier this week, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told Pete Hegseth that Seoul will review making phased contributions to Washington's initiative in restoring safe passage in the crucial waterway.

Ahn has cited declaring support, dispatching personnel, sharing information and providing military assets as possible means of participation, Yonhap reported.