BUSAN, Republic of Korea -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) hosted 150 midshipmen from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Naval Academy for a tour of CNFK headquarters, July 23.

The tour was designed to help the midshipmen better understand the CNFK mission and the command’s role ensuring the safety and security of the peninsula.

Following a command brief, CNFK representatives escorted the midshipmen on a tour of the command to give them a firsthand view of all that CNFK does.

“CNFK has an important strategic relationship with the ROK Navy,” said Lt. Cmdr. Sean Jin, CNFK’s security cooperation planner. “The midshipmen are the future of the ROK Navy, and it’s important for them to develop a relationship with the U.S. Navy as they head into the fleet.”

Following the tour, the midshipmen were addressed by Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly, commander, CNFK, who spoke to them about his history and the importance of the interoperability of the U.S. and ROK naval forces.

“Anything that affects the stability of the world, particularly in Asia, the U.S. Navy is interested in,” Donnelly said. “The participation and interaction with our partners is paramount. We rely heavily on our closest Navy allies. That capability and interoperability is ensured in the ROK Navy’s capabilities. We can show our common resolve throughout the world.”

CNFK is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the commander for the United Nations Command; the Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command; and commander, U.S. Forces Korea. CNFK also serves as liaison to the ROK navy and the Combined Forces commander staff in armistice and in wartime to commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, based in Yokosuka, Japan.