Republic of Korea Navy Special Warfare Flotilla | |
---|---|
대한민국 해군 특수전전단 | |
![]() WARFLOT operators in 2013. The operators consist of the Cheonghae Unit, an anti-piracy and counter-terrorist task force. | |
Active | 25 November 1955 – present |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Special operations force |
Role | Special operations |
Part of | Republic of Korea Fleet Command |
Garrison/HQ | Jinhae, Gyeongnam Province |
Engagements | |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Brig. Gen. Yoo Jae-man |
The Republic of Korea Navy Special Warfare Flotilla (Korean: 대한민국 해군 특수전전단; Hanja: 大韓民國 海軍 特殊戰戰團; NAVSPECWARFLOT or WARFLOT) is a special operations force of the Republic of Korea Navy. The WARFLOT is most commonly referred to as the Underwater Demolition Team or UDT, and sometimes as UDT/SEALs, coming from the fact UDTs are the most prominent branch of the flotilla and their close ties with US Navy SEALs respectively.
The UDT/SEALs under WARFLOT are heavily influenced and inspired by the United States Navy SEALs/Underwater Demolition Team/Special Boat Teams, which initially provided funding and expertise in the unit's creation, and still maintain a strong relationship by regularly undertaking joint combined exchange training (JCET) several times a year, utilizing American helicopter and maritime assets, and enrolling students each year in the U.S. Naval Special Warfare programs at Naval Special Warfare Center such as Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School and Special Missions Training Center school.