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U.S. Navy Reserve Provides Logistic Support During Trip to North Korea

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050224-06
Release Date: 2/24/2005 11:18:00 AM

From Logistic Support Squadron 58 Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 58 completed a trip behind North Korea's iron curtain Jan. 13.

Flying a cargo/passenger modified Boeing 737-700, the "Sunseekers" flew a contingent of six U.S. Congressmen to Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, for diplomatic dialogue concerning North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

The trip to North Korea included stops in Khabarovsk, Russia; Seoul, Republic of Korea; Beijing, and Tokyo.

Rep. Curt Weldon, a republican from Pennsylvania who is vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, led the bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers in the discussions, which he said were to discuss "important issues" with North Korea's No. 2 government official, Kim Yong Nam.

"The visit was instrumental in paving the way for multinational talks between the United States and the visited nations," Weldon said. "We couldn't have done it without the Navy's team of professionals."

The delegation took advantage of the aircraft cargo capacity and delivered more than 12,000 pounds of medical supplies and humanitarian aid to Medan, Indonesia, for the tsunami-stricken area.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am proud to have been a part of such an important mission," said Lt. Cmdr. Rich Shettler, one of the VR-58 pilots.

The entire mission, which covered more than 30,000 miles and seven countries, came off without a hitch. The air crew and maintenance personnel involved received a bravo zulu from the chairman of the delegation for their efforts and unwavering support during the 14-day mission.

"I'm extremely proud of the Sunseekers that made this trip so successful," said VR-58 Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Will Hall. "They did it in true Sunseeker fashion, and I expected nothing less."
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