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USS Patriot Returns From Korean Port Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051212-04
Release Date: 12/12/2005 2:49:00 PM

From USS Patriot Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- USS Patriot (MCM 7) returned to its forward deployed home of Sasebo, Japan, Dec. 3 after making a two-day port visit to Chinhae, Republic of Korea (ROK).

Patriot Sailors spent their time in Chinhae, taking delight in Korean cuisines and shopping in the city’s open-air markets.

While in Chinhae, Patriot crew members welcomed 25 ROK sailors and spent time exchanging stories of naval life.

Patriot Sailors felt fortunate to visit Korea and give the ROK sailors a tour of the ship.

“It was pretty cool to talk with them and see the similarities and differences in between our Navy and theirs,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Phil Iliescu, Patriot crew member. “It was also great to be in Chinhae. Any time you get to experience another culture, it is rewarding.”

While underway, Patriot hosted the very first ROK service members aboard a U.S. mine sweeper as a part of a military exchange program. Two Korean officers got underway with Patriot and lived and worked on board with the American Sailors. The ROK officers returned home with Patriot and departed the crew in Chinhae.

Lt. Hyo-Seok Lim and Lt. Joon-ho Kim, while not assigned to any specific duties aboard Patriot, spent time observing Patriot officers in their watch stations and learning the daily routine of the American Navy.

“It has been a good experience,” said Lim. “We appreciate and are impressed by how friendly the U.S. Sailors are.”

Patriot commanding officer Lt. Cmdr. Richard Brawley was pleased with the crew’s hospitality and cultural exchange with the Korean guests.

“The U.S./ROK interaction from the ship visit and also our embarked guests was a very positive experience,” said Brawley. “We always welcome the opportunity to be ambassadors for the Navy and our nation.”

Patriot is a mine countermeasures ship forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. Patriot and USS Guardian (MCM 5) serve under Task Force 76, which serves as the U.S. 7th Fleet’s mine countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations.