Freedom Shield 25 is a large-scale, multi-domain exercise designed to enhance readiness across ground, air, naval, space, and cyberspace operations. The operations also strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance, ensuring both forces remain prepared to confront challenges together and deter adversaries in a rapidly evolving security environment. Soldiers from the 814th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, partnered with ROKA Soldiers from the ROKA’s 5th Engineer Brigade, V Corps for joint wet gap crossing training at Yeoncheon-gun, Republic of Korea, on March 20, 2025.
A wet gap crossing is a crucial, military operation enabling forces to maneuver across rivers, lakes, or other water obstacles using temporary bridging systems. This capability is essential in modern warfare, providing troops and equipment with the mobility needed to sustain operations in contested environments where permanent crossings may be unavailable or destroyed.
During the exercise, ROKA and U.S. Army engineers worked in tandem to construct an Improved Ribbon Bridge. Using specialized boats and air assets, the Soldiers transported and assembled multiple bridge sections, allowing ROKA K1 tanks to successfully cross a 190-meter floating bridge.
“This training is essential to strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance,” said 1st Lt. Lauryn Luangsomkham, platoon leader with the 814th Multi-Role Bridge Company. “Working with the ROK Army presents challenges, mainly due to the language barrier, but they are great people to work with.”
Lt. Col. Brent Kinney, commander of the 11th Engineer Battalion, highlighted the joint collaboration’s success in working together effectively under pressure. “Behind us, you can see a bridge that was just constructed through the combined efforts of both U.S. and ROK Soldiers,” Kinney said. “Even without speaking the same language, we successfully completed a shared task.”
The exercise also reinforced broader strategic objectives of the ROK-US alliance. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Taylor, Combined Forces Command’s director of operations said, “As we execute combined joint, all-domain operations during Freedom Shield 25, we are ensuring mutual defense, deterrence, and security throughout the region.”
Freedom Shield 25 reaffirms the enduring commitment of both nations to maintaining a strong, ready alliance, prepared to meet any challenge in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a powerful display of international cooperation and military readiness, soldiers from the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) recently came together for a joint wet gap crossing training exercise. The training, held at a strategically designated location, showcased the seamless coordination and shared commitment between the two allied nations.
Wet gap crossing operations, which involve the movement of troops and vehicles across water obstacles, are a critical capability in modern military tactics. The joint training exercise served as an opportunity for both nations to enhance interoperability, share expertise, and solidify their partnership in the face of potential regional challenges.
During the exercise, US Army engineers and ROK forces worked hand-in-hand to deploy and operate bridging systems, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of personnel and equipment across a simulated river. The collaborative approach allowed soldiers to familiarize themselves with each other’s techniques, equipment, and communication protocols, fostering greater mutual understanding and respect.
Leaders from both militaries emphasized the importance of such joint exercises in building trust and ensuring readiness. “Training side by side with our ROK counterparts strengthens our alliance and prepares us to respond to any contingency,” said a US Army officer involved in the exercise. A ROK Army official echoed the sentiment, highlighting the value of shared knowledge and teamwork in achieving operational success.
This joint wet gap training is part of a broader series of exercises aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region. By working together in challenging scenarios, US and ROK soldiers continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the alliance and their shared goals of security and prosperity.
