160926-N-SU278-055 WATERS EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA

160926-N-SU278-055
WATERS EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Sept. 26, 2016) Republic of Korean ships Seoae Ryusungryong (DDG 993), Yul Gok Yii (DDG 992), Kang Gam Chan (DDH 979) and the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111), conduct maneuvers during a combined maritime operation in the waters East of the Korean Peninsula. Spruance joined ROKN Aegis destroyers, submarines, anti-submarine helicopters, and U.S. and ROKN P-3 patrol aircraft in the operation that highlighted the unified naval force capabilities in defense of the Republic of Korea and region from surface, subsurface, and ballistic missile threats. Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea Commander General Vincent. K. Brooks said, "this Combined Maritime operation is another example of the broad range of capabilities the Alliance has to confront North Korea's unacceptable behavior and the threat they pose to the stability on the Korean Peninsula, and the region."(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Will Gaskill)