The Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy – Cruise Training Task Group sailed into Garden Island, Sydney on 6 October, for a four day port visit.
Under the command of Rear Admiral Chun Jungsoo, ROK Ships Choi Young (DDH-981) and Cheonji (AOE-57) exercised with with Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Arunta off the coast before coming alongside Fleet Base East.
Commanding Officer of Arunta, Commander David Tietzel said: “The arrival of the Cruise Training Task Group to Sydney provided Arunta with the opportunity to get some valuable in-company time with the ROK.”
Approximately 650 personnel are embarked on Choi Young and Cheonji, including 140 midshipmen from the ROK Naval Academy’s 69th class. The voyage provides the trainees with hands-on experience before they become commissioned military officers.
The trainees will visit the Korean War Memorial and the Australian Defence Force Academy during their short stay, as well as engage in a friendly soccer competition at Randwick Barracks and take part in cultural tours around Sydney.
The ROK Cruise Training Task Group is currently deployed on a 96 day voyage visiting ports in 12 countries, including Guam, Australia and New Zealand.
[mappress] Press Release, October 10, 2014; Image: © Commonwealth of Australia