Korean Navy-US port

By Chang Dong-woo

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean Navy training ship has made its first-ever port call at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola in Florida this week as part of a training deployment, according to the U.S. Navy and the South Korean Embassy.

The ROKS Hansando arrived at the base Monday for a four-day visit aimed at providing practical experience to naval cadets and promoting exchanges with U.S. Navy personnel, according to a news article published by the U.S. Navy.

"Hosting our Republic of Korea Navy allies aboard NAS Pensacola is an absolute privilege, especially as our installation marks 200 years of service to maritime defense," NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Chandra Newman said.

During the visit, South Korean sailors and midshipmen were scheduled to participate in a friendly football match with U.S. personnel, lay a wreath at the Korean War Memorial in Pensacola and visit the National Naval Aviation Museum.

South Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha visited the ship Tuesday and addressed senior midshipmen from the Korea Naval Academy, emphasizing South Korea's role in the international community and the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, according to the embassy.

Kang also expressed hope that the graduating class would contribute to the further development of the alliance as naval officers.

At a reception aboard the ship, Kang noted that the visit coincided with the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 200th anniversary of NAS Pensacola, expressing hope that it would promote friendship and exchanges between the two navies.

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