I am honoured to welcome our partners on this historic occasion, said Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). This visit will offer a valuable opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy to renew friendships and strengthen the ties between our two navies.
The ROKN ships, Hwa-Cheon and Dae Jo Yeong, with 630 Korean sailors led by Rear Admiral Soo-hong Jang, will participate in various events over the four-day visit. Both ships will also be open to the public each afternoon.
A total of 516 Canadian servicemen died during the Korean War. The first Canadian combat units to enter the Korean theatre were RCN destroyers. The 60th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice took place this year on July 27. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Republic of Korea.
[mappress] Press Release, October 14, 2013