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Kitty Hawk Sailors Enjoy Port Visit to Korea

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040406-04

Release Date: 4/6/2004 3:25:00 PM

By Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Hendrick Simoes, USS Kitty Hawk Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Sailors had an excellent opportunity to take advantage of a five-day port visit to Busan, Korea, March 15, to explore this southern port.

Kitty Hawk last visited Korea in November 2000.

"The shopping was great, I bought a lot of stuff and didn't spend much money," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class (AW) Daniel Garcia of operations department.

While downtown Busan offered a lot of shopping, there were other activities for Sailors, as well. Kitty Hawk's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division organized tours, and the chaplain's office arranged a community relations project.

One such tour was to the city of Kyongju. For all the Sailors attending the tour, it was a window into the ancient capital of the Shilla kingdom, from 57 B.C. until 935 A.D. Sailors had the opportunity to take a look at temples, relics and artifacts of the age, and learn a little bit about life in ancient Korea.

"The tour was wonderful. It was an excellent way to get to see some of the cultural aspects of the country," said Lt. Cmdr. Mary Blankenship, Kitty Hawk training officer.

"It makes me very happy when Sailors come here and are excited by what they see," said Chaeho Chon, the community activities director of the Army's 20th Support Group in Korea, who led the tour.

MWR tours were not the only opportunities for Sailors to experience Korea. Kitty Hawk chaplain's office organized a community relations trip to the Jung-Hua Sanatorium for elderly people.

For Sailors, it was a chance to interact more closely with the Korean people while lending a helping hand to the community.

At the sanatorium, Sailors not only did chores, but also offered companionship to the residents.

"I did something today that was really worth doing," said Interior Communications Electrician Fireman Eric Cunha of air department. "The smiles on their faces will long be remembered."

The visit finished with singing Karaoke, which in itself brought laughter and many smiles.

While many took back shopping bags, some Sailors also brought back a piece of Korean culture. Still others have the memories of smiles and the gratitude of a community. Kitty Hawk Sailors steamed away from Korea relaxed and ready to continue doing their jobs.