An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Jan. 11, 2018

US Naval Forces Korea Conducts Change of Command

By U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Michael E. Boyle relieved Rear Adm. Brad Cooper as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) during a change of command ceremony at the Republic of Korea (ROK) Fleet base.

The ceremony marked the 36th time CNFK has changed command since its establishment July 1, 1957.

"CNFK staff and ROK Fleet staff have labored successfully to make this truly a combined headquarters," said General Vincent K. Brooks, commander, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea. "This is the forerunner model for the future of the ROK-US Alliance, not only ready to fight together, but living together everyday, side by side."

During his speech, Brooks emphasized CNFK's importance to the U.S. and ROK alliance to ensure continued security in the region as well as Cooper's contribution.

"Admiral Cooper was the first to take command here in Busan after the relocation of CNFK headquarters," said Brooks. "He, his staff and the ROK Fleet Staff have labored successfully to make this a truly combined headquarters."

During the ceremony, Cooper was presented the Legion of Merit by Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, for his achievements while serving as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea.

Cooper was also presented with the Order of National Security Merit Cheon-su Medal by the Chief of Naval Operations, ROK Navy, Adm. Um Hyun-seong, in a ceremony at Commander, Republic of Korea Navy headquarters on Jan. 9.

After receiving the award, Cooper spoke to the crowd of more than 200 U.S. - ROK military personnel and civilian guests and credited the Sailors throughout Korea for the command's success.

"You are an amazing group," said Cooper. "I have never served with a team so intensely dedicated, loyal and productive. Our alliance has always been strong, but because of you, I can definitely say that we are stronger than we have ever been."

Cooper closed his remarks by thanking his staff for their support and highlighting the long lasting U.S.-ROK friendships he made while serving at CNFK.

"For the many exceptional ROK Navy leaders here today, thank you for your support and for your genuine friendship," said Cooper. "I'll be back to Korea soon and look forward to continue serving with you for years to come."

After his remarks, Cooper read his orders and officially transferred command to Boyle, who expressed his enthusiasm for his time in Korea and commitment to the enduring relationship between both navies.

"I look forward to continuing the momentum that CNFK has established," said Boyle. "I intend to build on existing initiatives by seeking out and removing barriers that prevent our navies from becoming even closer."

Cooper served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea since September 2016 and will next assume command of Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet in Okinawa, Japan.

CNFK is the U.S. Navy's representative in the Republic of Korea, providing leadership and expertise in naval matters to improve institutional and operational effectiveness between the two navies and to strengthen collective security efforts in Korea and the region.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
363,188
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
The Pentagon Transfers Authority to the Navy to Ensure the Safe Closure of Red Hill
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 28, 2024 - The Department of Defense announced today that the Joint Task Force-Red Hill has completed its defueling mission at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawai’i and shifted command and control of the facility to the...

U.S. Marines, Sailors arrive in Darwin for 13th iteration of MRF-D
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian Mulvihill, right, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, shakes hands with Royal Australian Navy Capt. Mitchell Livingstone, the commanding officer of Headquarters Northern Command at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, NT, Australia, March 24, 2024. MRF-D 24.3 is part of an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and Allies and partners and provide a forward-postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. Mulvihill is a native of New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cristian L. Bestul)
March 28, 2024 - A new group of Marines and Sailors arrived in the Northern Territory to begin the 13th annual iteration of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin...

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 27, 2024 - Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout...

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford Concludes Visit to Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 27, 2024 - Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout...

DIU Partners With AUKUS Pillar II for International Prize Challenge
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 26, 2024 - The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is launching the first trilateral prize challenge through AUKUS Pillar II— a defense and security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (U.S.)— to...