CFAC Welcomes Former Korean Employee for Visit

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jermaine Ralliford | CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (Aug. 2, 2018). Cmdr. Jeremy Ewing, commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC), poses with Mr. Jo, Gi Sup and his family during a Morale, Recreation and Welfare sponsored lunch and base tour. Mr. Jo worked at CFAC as a food service worker and base galley cook for 24 years. (U.S. Navy Photo by Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Lester Meyers)  

CHINHAE, SOUTH KOREA

08.02.2018

Courtesy Story

Commander, Naval Forces Korea

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (Aug. 2, 2018). Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) welcomed Jo, Gi Sup, former CFAC food service worker and base galley cook of 24 years, and his family, for lunch and a tour Aug. 2.

Nearly twenty years after leaving CFAC, Jo’s grandson, Jo, Min Chul, contacted the command to request one final visit for his aging grandfather who spoke highly of his relationship with the small U.S. Navy installation.

Jo, accompanied by his wife and grandson, toured the installation and ate lunch at the Turtle Cove Club as guests of CFAC’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program and reunited with former coworkers like Chin, Po Yong, with whom he shared time serving Sailors in the Galley.

“It was great to see him again after all these years,” said Chin of the 20-year reunion after the two shared a hug.

Working in the base galley from 1975 to 1999, Jo shared fond memories of his time cooking for Sailors on base where his Bulgogi, BBQ chicken and pork recipes were local favorites.

“I wrote the Galley recipe for Bulgogi and made the kimchee for the staff and Sailors” said Jo. “I am very thankful to come back here and see the base after all these years and relive all the great memories.”

Jo’s grandson, a student at Pohang University, hopes to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and to pursue employment with the U.S. Military as a translator.

“My Grandfather was always so proud of his service to the U.S. Military,” said the younger Jo. “My grandfather’s service has had a big positive influence on me and my family.”

The family dined at Turtle Cove with Cmdr. J.R. Ewing, commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae.

“It was our great pleasure hosting Mr. Jo and his family and hearing the stories of the mutual respect and friendship that he shared with the US Navy and our CFAC Sailors,” said Ewing. “His honorable and lengthy employment aboard CFAC greatly strengthened the bond between the U.S. Navy and our local community in Chinhae.”

Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae, established in 1946, is the only U.S. Navy base on the Korean peninsula and strengthens maritime partnership and interoperability with the ROK Navy in addition to providing operational support to the fleet through joint and combined armistice, exercise, and contingency operations.

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

• Date Taken: 08.02.2018
• Date Posted: 08.10.2018 01:55
• Story ID: 288124
• Location: CHINHAE, KR