Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Caitlin Flynn | 250926-N-WM182-2153 BUSAN, South Korea (Sept. 26, 2025) From left to right, U.S. 7th...... read more read more
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Sept. 26, 2025) – Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) hosted a 250th U.S. Navy Birthday Ball in Busan, marking two and a half centuries of naval service, tradition, and partnership alongside the Republic of Korea.
The evening opened with the arrival of the official party, including Rear Adm. Sharif H. Calfee, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea and Navy Region Korea; Vice Adm. Fred W. Kacher, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet; Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea; and Republic of Korea Navy Vice Adm. Seonwoo Hwang, commander of the Republic of Korea Fleet.
Sailors assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) presented the colors, followed by the two country’s national anthems and an invocation delivered by Navy Capt. Leroy Young, CNFK chaplain.
Rear Adm. Calfee opened the evening with host remarks, welcoming guests and reflecting on the Navy’s proud tradition.
“As we mark that 250 years of Honor, Courage and Commitment to the national security of our nation, the operational and combat readiness of our service and the fidelity and zeal of the United States Sailor, we will sail forward at flank speed to the future and next 250 years of our maritime service,” said Calfee.
The program continued with remarks from Vice Adm. Kacher, who shared his perspective as the guest speaker.
“I first sailed these waters in the nineties, and I’ve watched this theater evolve before my eyes and am convinced more than ever that the promise and challenges of this region will define our next decade… and our next century,” said Kacher. “In fact, I believe what happens in these waters and in this era, will impact those in the future who gather for our Navy’s 500th birthday, 250 years from now — that is how much your service matters.”
The guest of honor, Gen. Brunson, closed the speaking portion with keynote remarks highlighting the Navy’s strength and enduring partnerships.
“From the seabed to space, in cyberspace, and in the information environment, the United States Navy delivers peace through strength,” said Brunson. “This persistent reality, that a fight against the U.S. and the Republic of Korea’s Navy is costly and unwinnable, is what forces our adversaries to back down. That deterrent power keeps our adversaries awake at night, and keeps our allies reassured every day.”
The evening also highlighted a significant milestone for the command’s senior enlisted leaders. Command Master Chief Christina Crawford, assigned to Navy Reserve Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Headquarters (NRCNFK-HQ), and Command Master Chief Nicholas Messina, CNFK’s command master chief, reenlisted during the ceremony, administered by Rear Adm. Calfee.
In keeping with naval tradition, the official party joined the youngest and oldest Sailors present in cutting the ceremonial cake, symbolizing the passing of naval heritage across generations.
First formally recognized in 1972 by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, the Navy’s birthday honors the establishment of the Continental Navy on Oct. 13, 1775. This year’s milestone marked 250 years of naval heritage celebrated around the globe.
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) is the U.S. Navy’s representative in the Republic of Korea, providing leadership and expertise in naval matters to improve institutional and operational effectiveness between the two navies and to strengthen collective security efforts in Korea and the region.
| Date Taken: | 09.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.01.2025 01:23 |
| Story ID: | 549790 |
| Location: | BUSAN GWANG'YEOGSI [PUSAN-KWANGYOKSHI], KR |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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