The Navy said on Monday that it will carry out 37 tasks next year as part of its efforts to strengthen its operational readiness.

The plans were announced following the biannual commanders’ meeting held in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province.

The tasks include establishing a combat-oriented human resource management system and reorganizing units according to combat functions that come under four themes.

The four themes are: establishing flawless combat readiness, establishing strong naval capabilities, enhancing operations of the Navy and developing a trustworthy image of the Navy.

The meeting was chaired by Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Choi Yoon-hee, and was attended by about 200 commanders, non-commissioned officers and troops.

“Establishing military readiness to deliver strong punishment for surprise provocations from the North Korean military is of the foremost importance,” Choi was quoted as saying in a press release.

Choi also said that the Navy should conduct programs for adapting to changes in the security environment such as defense reform and the Korean military assuming wartime operational control from next year.

The top officer also said that the navy’s administrations should become more transparent, and that the organization should also focus on fighting corruption and improving conditions for the troops.

Regarding the measures drawn up in response to North Korea’s attacks on the warship Cheonan and Yeonpyeongdo last year, the Navy said that most such projects are nearing completion.

According to the Navy, the projects for testing warships’ sonar equipment and securing anti-submarine equipment have been completed.

In addition, the Navy said that an underwater map of the West Sea has been completed and that all land-based units and ships larger than patrol-class vessels will be given 3D maps of underwater terrain from all seas surrounding the peninsula by 2013.

By Choi He-suk  (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)