U.S. and Republic of Korea Navies Celebrate Partnership Aboard USNS Henson

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS150910-17
Release Date: 9/10/2015 7:51:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abraham Essenmacher

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, and senior Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy representatives, visited the oceanographic survey ship USNS Henson (T-AGS 63) to further foster the enduring U.S. and ROK partnership Wednesday, Sept. 9.

During the event, Capt. A.J. Reiss, the commanding officer of the Naval Oceanic Office (NAVOCEANO), spoke about the importance of the ship's name. The ship is named after Matthew Henson, who is credited with assisting Robert Edwin Peary discover the North Pole in 1909. Reiss also compared the teamwork in the historic expedition to the importance of the U.S. and ROK alliance.

'It is fitting that tonight, aboard this ship, that we acknowledge our entire success depends upon an ever-loyal, tenacious, and persevering companionship with each other,' said Reiss.

Kristin K. Mangold, Henson's captain, provided a tour of the bridge and explained the unique operating radars and navigational equipment aboard. Mangold said she viewed hosting senior ROK Navy officials as a sign of appreciation to the continued ROK support of Henson's mission.

'When we conduct operations in waters around the Korean peninsula, our ROK counterparts gain an understanding of what we are doing and how it will help them,' said Mangold. 'I hope it gives them a good feeling from our professional crew and the broad scope of what's being done.'

Henson is one of five oceanographic survey ships under the technical control of NAVOCEANO that actively support the Chief of Naval Operation's Undersea Dominance strategy by generating physical battle space awareness thru deploying a variety of manned and unmanned oceanographic collection systems. The ship also serves as a platform for NAVOCEANO surveyors to collect oceanographic and hydrographic data from the world's oceans.