US, South Korea Discuss Naval Security
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson met with his South Korean (ROK) counterpart, Adm. Jung Ho-sub at the Pentagon August 4 for a discussion focused on the strengthening partnerships and ways to work together to increase maritime security throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific.
“It's extremely important as we work together – as our two navies work together – that you and I have a personal relationship, that we can call one another up as brothers to work for better ways to collaborate,” said Richardson. CNO also praised his counterpart for the progress he has made in improving Naval capabilities, as well as the focus he placed on advancing ethics and honor throughout the ROK Navy.
Jung thanked CNO for the hospitality shown to him and his staff during their visit to the United States and reiterated the need for the two navies to continue to work together.
“I agree with the importance of our alliance, particularly navy-to-navy, to deal with the threat from the North, as well as the instability that may take place in the South China Sea,” said Jung.
Richardson and Jung agreed that enhanced cooperation and information sharing between the navies, particularly in anti-submarine and mine warfare, will be helpful to countering threats across the Indo-Asia Pacific region.
Jung is in the United States for a week-long trip to hold talks with top U.S. Navy officials in Hawaii, San Diego and Washington. In addition to Richardson, he met with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Scott Swift, Commander Naval Surface Forces Pacific, Vice Adm. Tom Rowden.
The two leaders last met in October when Richardson visited Seoul.