Navy Command Builds on Training Partnership During South Korean Visit

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander of Naval Education and Training Command, met with South Korean navy leaders and delivered remarks aboard the ROKS Hansando during the ship's first port call at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Oct. 27.

During the visit, Huffman hosted an office call with Vice Adm. Kyu-Paek Park, Korea Naval Academy superintendent, and Rear Adm. Joon Yup Kim, Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group commander.

Huffman joined South Korean officers, crew members and embarked midshipmen for a reception aboard the Hansando, where he emphasized the role of allied partnerships in naval education and training.

"Our mission is fundamentally about people - recruiting, training, educating and developing sailors to serve with competence, character and confidence," Huffman said. "This development is not confined to a classroom; it is a career-long journey that is immeasurably strengthened when we learn alongside trusted allies."

The visit built on the long-standing partnership with South Korea's naval education and training command to prepare sailors and future naval officers.

In September 2025, Vice Adm. Jeong Ho Kang, commander of the Republic of Korea Navy's education and training command, visited Pensacola and met with Huffman for a briefing on U.S. Navy training initiatives. Kang also toured the Center for Information Warfare Training, Naval Aviation Schools Command and Naval Air Technical Training Center.

A year later, Huffman and Navy Force Master Chief Petty Officer Ben Hodges visited Jinhae, South Korea, where they met with Kang. The engagement included discussions on professional military education, force development and opportunities for continued cooperation.

Aboard the Hansando, Huffman recalled the hospitality extended by Kang and his command, which celebrated its 80th anniversary this year. He connected that visit to the opportunity to welcome South Korean naval personnel to Pensacola.

"We both share a deep commitment in preparing our fleets to contribute on Day 1, and to adapt and lead throughout their careers," he said. "To stand on this deck tonight, in our home waters of Pensacola, feels like a perfect continuation of the personal friendships and professional partnerships we reinforced in [South] Korea."

The port visit also brought the Hansando's crew to Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola. In the spirit of unity and the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, South Korean sailors laid a wreath at the park's Korean War Memorial in remembrance and to honor those who served in the war.

The Hansando's visit also helped U.S. service members build relationships with their South Korean counterparts.

"The friendships formed during this voyage are among the most lasting and mutually beneficial investments our alliance can make," Huffman said.