BUSAN (NNS) -- The U.S. 7th Fleet and Commander of Republic of Korea Fleet (COMROKFLT) bands held a joint concert in Busan to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ROK Navy, Oct. 22.

The concert, attended by more than 2,000 U.S. and ROK Sailors and guests, highlighted the longstanding partnership of the U.S. and ROK navy bands.

"It's been very rewarding to perform again with the [U.S. 7th Fleet] band especially today because we are celebrating the birth of our navy," said ROK Musician 1st Class Seo, Incheol.

The concert marked the fourth time since 2012 that both bands have played together in Korea.

"It's been great to play with the [COMROKFLT] band again," said Chief Musician Danny McGowan, assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet band. "Every time we play, both bands walk away with a stronger bond and I hope we can continue to strengthen this friendship."

Musician Seaman Emily Kershaw of U.S. 7th Fleet, echoed McGowan's sentiments and believed she always finds a great sense of comradely by playing with other military musicians.

"When we leave," said Kershaw, "I think both the U.S. and ROK Sailors will be going back with a stronger sense of partnership and the ability to incorporate some of each other's culture into their own. "

For some band members like ROK Musician 3rd Class Hwang, Young-Jun, the musical collaboration is always memorable.

"I'll never forget this experience," said Hwang. "I hope we continue to get together and perform along with our U.S. band mates."

Comprised of professional Navy musicians, the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet band was created in 1943 with the establishment of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet and has performed for thousands of audiences throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and conducts theater security cooperation engagements independently from the U.S. 7th Fleet staff in Korea and in other locations across the region.

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.