New Commander Appointed at US Naval Forces Korea

Rear Adm. Bill Byrne relieved Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Korea (CNFK) during a change of command ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison, Yongsan Aug. 5.

The ceremony, hosted by Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander of United States Forces Korea, marked the 34th time CNFK has changed command since it was established on July 1, 1957.

Some of the highlights of Franchetti’s command include increased anti-submarine warfare training, 84 port visits and more than 42 naval exercises with partnering navies.

Franchetti served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces, Korea since September 2013, and will next assume command of Carrier Strike Group 9 based in San Diego. Byrne served as commandant of midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy prior to assuming the duties as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the commander for the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and commander, U.S. Forces Korea.

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Image: US Navy