Navy Reserve and active-duty Sailors assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Korea spent a day building relationships at the Aikwangwon Social Welfare Foundation and school on Koje Island, March 7, as part of an on-going partnership with the residents and staff of the facility.

The visit occurred as U.S. forces took a short pause from Exercise Key Resolve 2015, an annual multi-national exercise. It was an opportunity for Sailors to spend their off duty time playing games, helping with crafts and enjoying group activities as well as engaging individually with residents of the foundation.

"I can't think of a better way to take a pause from our exercise routine than to be here in the company of our long-time friends at Aikwangwon," said Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea. "We are grateful to the residents and staff here at Aikwangwon for hosting us once again and extending your gracious hospitality to our Sailors and families."

The event began with an orientation from the staff, including a brief history, which highlighted the on-going partnership between the U.S. Navy and the foundation that spans more than six decades dating back to the Korean War.

"This was a great opportunity for us to take a moment and learn about Korean history and people," said Quartermaster 1st Class Janice Sharp, a Navy reservist who participated in the event. "I see today how the U.S. Navy has developed a wonderful relationship with the people of Aikwangwon, and how the relationships formed here have spanned a lifetime for so many Sailors who have served in Korea."

During the activities, Sailors were divided into four teams with their resident partners to compete in a series of team-building games. Both American and Korean team members warmed up with freestyle dancing before moving on to games including a race with creative obstacles to overcome.

"What I will remember the most from this event are the smiles on the faces of the residents," said Sharp. "No matter what language, laughing and smiling are universal, and it warmed my heart when they wanted to dance and give a lot of hugs."

Ms. Kim Im-soon founded Aikwangwon, meaning "the garden of love and light", during the Korean War with seven orphans and the support of U.S. Navy doctors stationed at Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae. Over the past six decades, the institution has evolved from one building into a campus that houses 240 residents, including children and adults of all ages, and provides specialized education for more than 200 students from across the Republic of 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.