South Korean Navy chief meets senior US officials

Republic of Korea’s top naval officer met with senior military leaders in San Diego August 2 to discuss maritime security issues and strengthen the relationship between the navies.

During his first stop of a weeklong trip to the U.S., the Chief of Naval Operations for the Republic of Korea, Admiral Jung Ho-Sub, visited with Vice Admiral Tom Rowden, commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP).

Rowden greeted Jung at CNSP headquarters on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado to share ideas and information about training, manning, maintaining, and deploying surface forces. Rowden, whose first flag officer assignment was Commander, Naval Forces Korea, understands the importance of the partnership and its long history.

Jung also met with Capt. Warren Buller, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1 aboard USS Freedom (LCS 1). Cmdr. Michael Wohnhaas, the ship’s commanding officer, welcomed Jung and Buller aboard, where they were able to tour the ship and meet Sailors, and enjoy lunch.

“Not often enough do we have the chance to host a valued partner’s service chief, so it was a distinct honor to have Admiral Jung on board,” said Buller. “It was an outstanding opportunity for USS Freedom to display its unique design, capabilities, and her hard-working Sailors while strengthening global maritime partnerships.”

Jung concluded his visit at Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) Headquarters to meet with Rear Adm. Jim Kilby and his staff.

U.S. Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy were two of 26 nations participating side-by-side in this year’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Prior to RIMPAC, both countries worked alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during Pacific Dragon, a trilateral ballistic missile defense tracking event.