Sailors at Naval Air Station Pensacola lined the pier early Monday morning to greet the crew of the ROKS Hansando, marking the vessel’s inaugural stop at the Florida base. The Korean warship arrived with 125 crew members and 200 midshipmen who are part of the Cruise Task Training Group, a program designed to give future officers real‑world sea experience.
Strengthening a long‑standing alliance
Lt. Commander Yoon Sangho explained that the visit is intended to deepen the naval partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea. “It’s a great honor to visit Pensacola for the first time in Korean Cruise Navy Test Crew,” Yoon said. “We are here to strengthen the Korea‑U.S. Navy alliance and will do our best to foster the cooperation.”
NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Chandra Newman echoed that sentiment, noting the mutual benefits of the exchange. “We are proud to welcome your crew,” Newman said. “This visit gives our personnel a meaningful opportunity to share experiences, learn more about each other’s naval traditions and build connections that last long after this port ends.”
Local community involvement
Base personnel and local residents waved both American and Korean flags as the Hansando docked, and crew members responded in kind. After the ceremony, the sailors were treated to a lunch hosted by the base and had the chance to meet with service members stationed at NAS Pensacola.
The ship will remain in Pensacola through Thursday before continuing its itinerary, which includes stops in Hawaii, Baltimore and several ports in Central America such as Guatemala and Panama. The voyage is slated to conclude back in South Korea early next year.
Honoring shared history
During the visit, Lt. Commander Yoon said the Korean crew plans to tour the Pensacola war memorial located in downtown Pensacola. “We want to visit the war memorial and show appreciation for the Korean War veterans in this area,” he explained.
The memorial visit underscores the historical ties forged during the Korean War, a conflict in which both nations fought side by side. Local veterans’ groups have expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to host the Korean sailors and share stories of that pivotal era.
Looking ahead
The stop at NAS Pensacola is part of a broader effort by both navies to increase joint training, interoperability and cultural exchange. Officials from both countries anticipate that continued visits like this will enhance readiness and reinforce the strategic partnership that has been a cornerstone of regional security for decades.
As the Hansando prepares to set sail again, the base and the Pensacola community look forward to future engagements that build on the goodwill and shared purpose demonstrated during this historic visit.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
