USS Kitty Hawk Strike Group Visits Republic of Korea
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050331-16
Release Date: 3/31/2005 3:57:00 PM
By Journalist 1st Class Scott Morton, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 arrived at the Port of Busan March 14 amid clear skies, music and media coverage on the anniversary of Kitty Hawk's last visit a year ago.
Members of the Republic of Korea's (ROK) navy band filled the morning air with music, as ROK Sailors waved their hats at the massive aircraft carrier and its crew.
Six ships from Destroyer Squadron 15 visited the ports of Chinhae and Pyongtaek.
"We're making port calls to three different cities because the Republic of Korea is a wonderful place with many excellent ports to visit," said Commander, Carrier Group 5 Rear Adm. Jamie Kelly. "The Koreans are wonderful people and gracious hosts, and some of the best people you are going to find on the face of the earth."
After nearly month at sea, Kitty Hawk and CVW-5's more than 5,200 Sailors were happy to make the port visit to the ROK's second largest city.
"I love it," said Journalist 3rd Class Christopher Koons. "I love all these different ports that we get to visit. You get to experience a lot of different cultures."
The strike group brings more than 8,000 Sailors to the ROK, including three Korean Sailors aboard Kitty Hawk. One of them is Electrician's Mate Fireman Jung An, who joined the U.S. Navy in September 2001.
"It feels good (to be back)," An said. "It's been awhile since I've been here."
Kitty Hawk is America's oldest active ship, being commissioned April 29, 1961, and the first of the modern "super carriers." Nicknamed the "Battle Cat," Kitty Hawk is homeported out of Yokosuka, Japan.
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