US destroyer, Canadian frigates set for Jeju-do, Republic of Korea visit

U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) is set to join two Canadian Navy frigates for a visit to Jeju-do, Republic of Korea (ROK) on June 20, 2017.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Dewey will join Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigates HMCS Winnipeg (FFH-338) and HMCS Ottawa (FFH-341) for a routine port visit and planning meeting at the southern ROK island prior to the navies participating in a trilateral exercise with the ROK Navy.

Capt. Glenn Leverette, the deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, will greet the ship along with Rear Adm. Kim, Jeongsu, the commander of Maritime Task Force Flotilla 7, as more than 100 ROK sailors, welcome Dewey to the southern island.

“This visit is yet another example of our longstanding partnership with the ROK Navy,” said Leverette, “The ROK Navy and Flotilla 7 leadership have routinely welcomed our ships in ports throughout the ROK and to have Dewey welcomed today with our Canadian partners is a true testament to the strong maritime partnership between all three navies.”

Dewey is going to Jeju as part of a routine port visit prior to a scheduled exercise with the ROKN and Royal Canadian Navy.

“We are honored to be guests in Jeju and we look forward to training with our ROK and Canadian partners,” said Cmdr. Anthony Webber, Dewey’s commanding officer. “This visit is important because with each engagement, we improve our cooperation and enhance our combined defensive capabilities.”

While in Jeju, Dewey sailors will have the opportunity to participate in various Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities, sporting events, and participate in community relations projects to give back to the local Jeju community.

Dewey is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations while the Canadian frigates are on a six-month deployment to Indo-Asia-Pacific which started on March 6.