USS Warrior joins ROK Navy to Commemorate 64th Anniversary of Incheon landing

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Frank Andrews, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

INCHEON, South Korea (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Warrior (MCM 10) joined Republic of Korea navy ships in a naval demonstration and reenactment Sept. 15 to pay tribute to Korean War veterans who fought side-by-side during the Incheon landing 64 years ago.

The commemoration also included amphibious assault vehicles, helicopters, and a landing force from the ROK marines. More than 3,000 Korean War veterans from the U.S., ROK, and participating United Nations sending states joined senior military and civic leaders for the event.

"We are honored to have this opportunity to bring USS Warrior to Korea and represent the U.S. Navy for the 64th anniversary of the Incheon Landing," said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Biggs, commanding officer of Warrior. "By participating in the reenactment, our Sailors gained a better appreciation of the courage and heroism displayed by Korean War veterans 64 years ago. Our alliance with the Republic of Korea remains strong today because we take these occasions to honor the decisive battles that shaped our history together."

The Incheon landing, which occurred between Sept 15-19, 1950, was a daring amphibious assault carried out by a force of 261 allied navy ships and 75,000 UN troops that led to the liberation of Seoul from North Korean forces. The victory was made possible through the sacrifices of UN troops, along with Korean service members who fought side-by-side and laid the groundwork for a military alliance that remains in place today.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the 64th anniversary of the Incheon Landing," said Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, commander of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. "The amphibious forces of the Seventh Fleet were a vital piece of this historical operation that helped to turn the tide of the war and demonstrate the cooperation and close ties between our services and our nations that we still share today."

Local U.S. Sailors on hand for the ceremony said the event made them appreciate the close bond that exists today between U.S. forces and the Korean people.

"To actually witness the reenactment of how the U.S., ROK and other UN sending states defeated the North Korean military at Incheon was educational on the history of how our alliance began," said Quartermaster 2nd Class William Jones, assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea. "I was really impressed by the support of the Korean people and the camaraderie we shared with them today."

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, United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.