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San Diego Port Visit Enhances U.S.-Korea Tie

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061018-03
Release Date: 10/18/2006 10:13:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan G. Husman, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy vessels Dae Jo Yeong (DDH 977) and Dae Cheong (AOE 58) arrived at Naval Base San Diego Oct. 17.

The port visit is part of a 115-day midshipman training cruise program designed to increase understanding and awareness of allied and maritime partner capabilities.

“The U.S. has been a tight ally and friend,” said Rear Adm. Jung-Mok Son, the training force commander. “We are taking the opportunity to use this visit to enhance the relationship between the two countries and the two navies.”

The five-day port visit kicked off with a reception and ceremony aboard Dae Jo Yeong, which united ROK and American Sailors, as well as individuals from the San Diego Korean community.

The visit by the two South Korean ships was part of a 12-port, nine-nation Pacific deployment titled "ROK Navy Cruise Training Force," during which ROK midshipmen joined its sailors in engaging their American counterparts.

“It’s more than a delight, it’s a distinct honor and privilege to have these beautiful ships and magnificent-looking sailors arrive here in San Diego,” said Rear Adm. Gar Wright, deputy, Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.

According to Wright, the ROK midshipman training cruise, which was planned more than a year ago, is just one example of the longstanding alliance between the United States and Republic of Korea.

“The ROK navy and the United States Navy have more than partnership; we’ve had a friendship for the last 50 years,” said Wright. “It’s a great foundation for regional stability in northeast Asia. I continue to see our two navies getting closer and closer together.”

Prior to their arrival in San Diego, the two ships visited Pearl Harbor and San Francisco. According to Son, the San Diego visit will be one of the highlights of the training cruise.

“My sailors have been looking forward to visiting San Diego,” said Son. “They are excited to learn about the U.S. Navy and enjoy the amazing culture that San Diego has to offer.”