Rear Adm. Brad Cooper relieved Rear Adm. Bill Byrne as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Korea (CNFK) during a change of command ceremony at the Republic of Korea Fleet base in Busan, Sept. 8.

The ceremony, hosted by Army Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commander of United States Forces Korea, marked the 35th time CNFK has changed command since being established on July 1, 1957, and the first time since CNFK moved to Busan.

“Change of Command ceremonies are a tradition representing the passing of authority and responsibility from one leader to another,” said Brooks, “but more than that, they represent the transition of philosophies and a renewal of the relationship between the leaders and the led.”

During his speech, Brooks emphasized CNFK’s importance to the U.S. and ROK alliance and to ensuring continued security in the region.

“Though the signing of the armistice in July of 1953 purported to be merely a step in the peace process, the ongoing intractability of the north ensures that a state of war still exists here in Korea,” said Brooks.

“As a result, we must continue to stay vigilant to ensure that fighting does not break out again. It was in support of that continued deterrence, that Commander, Naval Forces Korea was established.”

During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Joseph P. Aucoin, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, and Adm. Jung, Ho-Sub, Republic of Korea chief of naval operations, recognized Byrne for his achievements.

After receiving the awards, Byrne spoke to the crowd of more than 200 U.S. and ROK military and civilian guests and credited the Sailors throughout Korea for the command’s success.”

“This ceremony is not about me,” said Byrne. “It is about the partnership, the Alliance, and the friendship between the U.S. and Republic of Korea navies. It is about the 450 Sailors who, day in and day out, serve with honor and distinction throughout the Republic of Korea.”

He went on to note how he was impressed that Sailors always strove for excellence.

“Excellence is more than a degree, a qualification, a rank or an award,” said Byrne. “It is the constant drive to be better, to do better, and to leave it better than you found it and every day I looked forward to seeing what you [CNFK and CNRK staff] would do because I knew the new day would bring new possibilities and new improvements.”

Byrne closed his remarks by highlighting the command’s shift to Busan, which placed CNFK beside the Commander, Republic of Korea Fleet, and thanked the Korean people for their hospitality.

“You welcomed me into your country, and you treated my family like your own,” said Byrne. “We arrived as strangers but today I feel like I am leaving my second home, and that is due to your overwhelming hospitality.”

After his remarks, Byrne read his orders and officially turned over command to Cooper, who spoke briefly about his fondness for Korea and commitment to the enduring relationship between both navies.

“I look forward to continuing and building upon the friendship between our navies and am excited that our Navy’s headquarters are here in Busan,” said Cooper. “I am deeply committed to strengthening this ‘unbreakable alliance’ and I will work hard to earn your trust and confidence as we sail toward the horizon and navigate a bright future together.”

Byrne served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces, Korea since August 2015 and will next assume command of Carrier Strike Group 11, which is based in Everett, Wash.

Cooper served as the director of the Surface Warfare Officer Career Management Division before 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 of the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.