The Navy's Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit (SSU) began three-day training Tuesday to bolster readiness for underwater rescue operations in the event of potential provocations, officials said. Some 250 troops joined the training led by the special unit, which will run through Thursday in waters off Geoje, 331 kilometers southeast of Seoul, in conjunction with the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, the Navy said. The drills, organized to enhance readiness in the event of possible maritime accidents during a national crisis situation, is also aimed at strengthening interoperability for joint rescue operations with the Air Force, it added. The Navy's ROKS Cheonghaejin submarine rescue ship, ROKS Tongyeong salvage and rescue ship as well as the Air Force's UH-60 helicopter were set to take part in the three-day training. The SSU was launched in 1950 as one of the Navy's special forces. Source: Yonhap News Agency