Kim Jong Eun recently paid a visit to Chosun People’s Army’s
(KPA) Naval Unit 167, an East Sea-based submarine unit. Rodong Sinmun reported the
visit on the 16th, making the claim that Kim even “personally boarded” a
submarine to command a training exercise.
The visit follows the inspection of another East Sea unit, KPA
Unit 863, which was reported on the 14th.
“After watching various indoor training, including a drill
for launching torpedoes, from the underwater comprehensive training room, he went
round the interior compartments of submarine No. 748 and personally guided the
actual drill aboard it,” the article declared.
KPA Naval Unit 167, which bears the honorary title “O Jung
Hup 7th Regiment,” is believed to be under North Korea’s East Sea fleet
command HQ, Large Combined Unit 597. Rear Admiral Jin Chol Su, commander of
Large Combined Unit 597, which has its headquarters in Nakwon County, South
Hamgyung Province, greeted Kim upon arrival at the base.
The honorary title “O Jung Hup 7th Regiment”
stems from the guerrilla war with Japan, when a unit came to the rescue of forces led by Kim Il Sung, who were in
crisis following a major offensive by the Japanese military. To this
day, North Korea gives the title to ideologically superior military units to
foster loyalty.
“It is necessary for [combat troops] to know well about
the enemy, be well informed of the operational waters in which they will
operate, and direct efforts to working out reasonable combat proposals by
foreseeing any possible circumstance,” Kim was quoted as saying. “The commanding
officers and seamen should clearly see through the motives of the hateful
enemies watching for a chance to invade our land, and put spurs to combat
preparations, thinking about battles only.”
Kim was accompanied on the visit by the director of the KPA
General Political Bureau, Hwang Pyong So, and Pyon In Son, first deputy chief
of the KPA General Staff.
