USS John S. McCain ports in Pyeongtaek

PYEONGTAEK, SOUTH KOREA

07.12.2014

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alonzo M. Archer, USS John. S. McCain Public Affairs

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) arrived in Pyeongtaek, July 12 for a port visit.

Pyeongtaek is a common destination for U.S. Navy ships assigned to the 7th fleet area of operations due to its proximity to U.S. Army, and Air Force bases, as well as the strong relationship the U.S. armed forces has with Republic of Korea.

Recently, U.S and Republic of Korea (ROK) participated in surface ship anti-submarine warfare readiness and effectiveness measure (SHAREM), an exercise designed to increase the interoperability between the navies. During this week, the U.S. and ROK navies will be conducting more bilateral training in order to accomplish a similar goal.

“SHAREM, the last exercise we did with the Republic of Korea Navy went great, and I would expect nothing less this time around,” said Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Seegar, combat systems officer aboard the John S. McCain. “Our upcoming operations are much more complicated in nature, but I’ve been working alongside the South Koreans for the last three years and they get better every after exercise.”

Along with the scheduled operational events, John S. McCain Sailors will participate in community relations (COMREL) events to enhance goodwill and foster stronger relationships with the local community.

“We have four COMREL’s planned for this South Korea port visit,” said Ship’s Serviceman 1st class Charles Agyeilarbi, community relations coordinator aboard John S. McCain. “I always look forward to coming to South Korea. They are very friendly as a culture. Every time we do a community outreach here, were a welcomed warmly and greatly appreciated. I look forward to doing as much as possible while we are here, and I’m sure many of my shipmates feel the same. ”

John S. McCain is on patrol with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2014
• Date Posted: 07.12.2014 00:34
• Story ID: 135930
• Location: PYEONGTAEK, KR