Republic of Korea Navy Officers See US Navy Training Up-Close

By Kimberly M. Lansdale, Center for Surface Combat Systems Public Affairs

DAHLGREN, Va (NNS) -- On a fact finding trip for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), the commander from the Korean Naval Force Analysis/Test and Evaluation Group and members of his staff visited the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) and Aegis Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) Aug. 9.

Rear Adm. Wonyong Ham visited CSCS and ATRC to learn about the training ROKN Sailors receive at the U.S. Navy schools to man combat systems on the Korean Navy ships. This includes the new destroyers being built under the three phase Korean Destroyer experimental (KDX) program.

During his visit, Ham and his staff discussed the CSCS and ATRC organizational and training infrastructure, while seeing firsthand the blended training solutions that use a balance of classroom, computer-based and hands-on training.

Korean sailors receive training in maintaining, operating and employing Aegis advanced electronic equipment, including the SPY-1 D(v) Radar system.

The visit was coordinated through the command's Security Assistance and International Programs directorate.

"Rear Adm. Ham was interested in technical training operations, simulations and overall how the Korean students were performing in the classroom," said Darrell Tatro, director, Security Assistance/ International Programs at CSCS. "Our mission is to provide allied forces quality training to enable them to develop ready teams capable of operations that maintain and expertly employ surface combatants"

According to Tatro, the international training increases U.S. and global security by focusing on common interests and processes, and directly supports the Naval Operations Concept 2010 and the building and maintaining a coalition of maritime partnerships. "We partner with U.S. training, readiness, and policy organizations, as well as other government agencies and industry to support our international mission," said Tatro

After the tour, Ham met with ROKN Sailors over lunch and discussed their training.