Secretary of the Navy Visits US, ROK leaders in Korea

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Ty Connors | 160819-N-NP779-055 SEOUL, Republic of Korea (Aug. 19, 2016) - Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus meets with U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Robert Hedelund, the commander of Marine Forces Korea (MARFORK), and Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK). Mabus is in Korea as part of a routine visit designed to strengthen relationships between the U.S. and ROK navies and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ty Connors)  

SEOUL, 11, SOUTH KOREA

08.20.2016

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jermaine Ralliford 

Commander, Naval Forces Korea

SEOUL, Republic of Korea (August 19, 2016) – The Secretary of the Navy visited U.S. and Republic of Korea civilian and military leaders during a visit to Seoul, Aug. 18-20.

The Honorable Ray Mabus visited the ROK to support and highlight the longstanding partnership between both navies and Marine Corps.

"Our partnership with the Republic of Korea is one of our most important,” said Mabus, “and we are fortunate to have such remarkable Sailors and Marines serving in these critical positions."

During his visit, Mabus met with Marines assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and thanked them for their service. After meeting them Mabus said hearing from Sailors and Marines is always one of his top priorities.

"I travel in order to talk with Sailors and Marines where they are, where they work and where they live. I want to hear what questions they have for me."

Throughout his brief visit, Mabus met with Mr. Han, Min-koo, ROK Minister of National Defense, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commander, U.S. Forces Korea, Gen. Lee, Sun-jin, ROK Chairman the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Jung, Ho Sub, ROK Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Adm. Bill Byrne, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea and Maj. Gen. Robert Hedelund, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea.

“The U.S. and ROK alliance is important,” said Byrne, “and a visit by Secretary Mabus is a clear signal how important our partnership is not just for the region, but for the world as well.”

For more information about Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnfk.

For more news from the Secretary of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/secnav/ or www.facebook.com/SecretaryoftheNavy.

• Date Taken: 08.20.2016
• Date Posted: 08.19.2016 18:40
• Story ID: 207671
• Location: SEOUL, 11, KR