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Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090928-12
Release Date: 9/28/2009 3:36:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bobbie G. Attaway Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

SEOUL, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Forces Korea held a change of command during a ceremony held at Knight Field on Sept. 23.

Rear Adm. Peter A. Gumataotao relieved Rear Adm. Thomas S. Rowden as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK)

Prior to turning over command to Gumataotao, Rowden praised his Sailors and staff for all their accomplishments.

"I can say with certainty that we sure have a great bunch of Navy folks on the Korean Peninsula," said Rowden. "It has been a privilege to serve in here in a very interesting period of time. It has been an honor."

Rowden, who is scheduled to be Commander, Carrier Strike Group 7, in San Diego, welcomed his successor.

"Admiral Gumataotao is not here by accident," said Rowden. "He was specially selected for this assignment, and his service reputation precedes him. I know that Naval Forces Korea will be in good hands."

Gumataotao comes to CNFK from San Diego, where he was the chief of staff for U.S. Naval Surface Forces. He is the first Guamanian U.S. Navy officer to attain flag rank when promoted to rear admiral lower half Sept. 11.

Serving as commander for CNFK is an exciting opportunity, which he will eagerly embrace with enthusiasm and pleasure, said Gumataotao.

"I look forward to working in the joint and combined environment of the Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea, as well as further strengthening the maritime relationships between our two great navies," said Gumataotao.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the Commander for the United Nations Command, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and U.S. Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea. CNFK also serves as liaison to the ROK Navy, the Combined Forces Commander staff in armistice and in wartime and to the Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, operating from Yokosuka, Japan.