On March 26, at the Naval Second Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, a family member of the Cheonan mourns at the memorial monument during the '15th Anniversary Commemoration of the 46 Heroes of the Cheonan'. [Yonhap News]  

The Navy held the '16th Anniversary Commemoration of the 46 Heroes of the Cheonan' at the Naval Second Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek on the morning of March 26.

The commemoration ceremony, presided over by Rear Admiral Lee Jae-seop, Commander of the Second Fleet, was attended by approximately 200 people, including families of the 46 heroes of the Cheonan, participating service members, National Assembly National Defense Committee Chairman Sung Il-jong and other lawmakers, the Cheonan Foundation, Second Fleet commanders and staff, and officials from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Lee Doo-hee also attended. This was the first attendance by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of National Defense in six years, since former Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo attended the 10th anniversary commemoration event in 2020.

During the ceremony, poet Lee Geun-bae recited his memorial poem, 'The Sea Gives Birth to Stars, and Stars Protect the Sea,' and a performance of the memorial song 'Becoming a Star of the Sea' was held.

In his condolence message, Chief of Naval Operations Kim Kyung-ryul stated, "The Navy and Marine Corps will never forget that the peace of our seas today is built upon the sacrifice of the 46 heroes of the Cheonan, and will steadfastly defend the maritime security of the Republic of Korea, which they gave their lives to protect."

In his memorial address, Rear Admiral Lee Jae-seop, Commander of the Second Fleet, declared, "Inheriting the patriotic spirit of the 46 heroes of the Cheonan, we will maintain a state of perfect readiness and steadfastly protect our seas for the lives and safety of the people, and for the peace and security of the Republic of Korea."

Following the commemoration ceremony, families and participating service members toured the Cheonan exhibition facilities and the new frigate Cheonan (FFG, 3,100-ton class), reflecting on the patriotic spirit of the heroes who defended the West Sea.

Meanwhile, from March 23 to March 27, the Navy has designated this period as the "West Sea Defense Day Security Resolution Week," implementing special mental fortitude training for service members and operating an online memorial hall.