Freedom Shield S. Korea-U.S. joint exercise underway with air assault drills, port defense exercises

On the defense front.

South Korean and U.S. forces are holding their annual training session which is also the first major joint exercise since the return of the Trump administration to the White House.

Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung has more.

Troops aboard KUH-1 Surion utility helicopters, approach the landing zone.

While the U.S. soldiers keep watch Korean soldiers conduct air assaults.

About four-hundred troops from the ROK Army's 1st Infantry Division and the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-US Combined Division's Stryker Brigade, held joint exercises on Tuesday.

The drill at a training facility in Paju-city, is part of the allies' computer-simulated Freedom Shield exercise, that began its 11-day run on Monday.

It aimed to strengthen South Korean-led combined operations capabilities, with an ROK army battalion commander directing U.S. company operations.

"Through thorough war games, from helicopter boarding to capturing the objective, South Korean and U.S. troops were able to move as one. In particular, by sharing combat expertise between the two countries' forces, we were able to further enhance our combat capabilities."

"We are very fortunate that we can conduct this training, this combined training with the ROK army. It was a great learning opportunity for my soldiers and myself increase interoperability with ROK Army and to strengthen the alliance."

In connection to Freedom Shield, the Navy's Second Fleet, also led an integrated port defense drill at the western port of Pyeongtaek-Dangjin.

Responsible for guarding the west coast, the Korean Navy aimed to boost response procedures for aerial, chemical, biological and radiological threats against the port, and many other critical national infrastructure sites. along with the army, police and coast guard.

"We will continue to protect key facilities in the West Sea with a strong and close-knit coordination system with relevant agencies."

The on-field drills are to continue until March 20th.

Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.