The inauguration ceremony for the 39th chief of naval operations, Kim Gyeong-ryul, was held on the 25th at the main parade ground at Gyeryongdae under the supervision of Minister of the Ministry of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek.
In his inaugural address, Chief of Naval Operations Kim said, "In a grave security environment, the mission entrusted to our Navy and Marine Corps is to protect the people's lives and safety and the nation's prosperity and security guarantee with a strong naval force so that no one can covet the Republic of Korea's maritime sovereignty."
Kim emphasized, "To respond effectively to complex threats, we must systematically secure unmanned forces and further advance the currently manned-centered platforms in operation to develop AI-based manned-unmanned teaming combat capabilities that will dominate the future battlefield." He added, "When the military faithfully carries out its inherent duties as the people's loyal armed forces, it will earn the people's trust, and on that trust, our pride will grow even stronger."
Minister Ahn Gyu-baek said in his admonitory remarks, "Amid the recent Middle East situation and the global supply chain crisis, we can clearly confirm that maritime security is directly linked to core national interests," adding, "By establishing a firm maritime security posture, we must confidently carry out the mission of the 'sure-win Navy' that protects the people across the five oceans and six continents."
Kim is a graduate of the 47th class of the Naval Academy. He has served as commander of the Fleet Command, superintendent of the Naval Academy, commander of the 3rd Fleet, director of personnel at the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, commander of the 5th Mine Warfare/Amphibious Warfare Flotilla, and director of the defense policy division at the Ministry of National Defense.