NETC Builds on Republic of Korea Training Partnership During Pensacola Visit

Naval Education and Training Command:

"Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander of Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), met with Republic of Korea Navy leaders on Oct. 27, 2026, and delivered remarks aboard ROKS Hansando (ATH-81) during the ship’s first port call at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

During the port visit, Huffman hosted an office call with Vice Adm. Kyu-Paek Park, superintendent of the Republic of Korea Naval Academy, and Rear Adm. Joon Yup Kim, commanding officer of the 2026 Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Task Training Group.

Huffman joined Korean officers, crew members and embarked midshipmen for a reception aboard Hansando, where he emphasized the role of allied partnerships in naval education and training.

“Our mission is fundamentally about people - recruiting, training, educating, and developing Sailors to serve with competence, character, and confidence,” said Huffman. “This development is not confined to a classroom; it is a career-long journey that is immeasurably strengthened when we learn alongside trusted allies.”

The visit built on NETC’s long-standing partnership with the Republic of Korea Navy Naval Education and Training Command (Rokn NETC) to prepare Sailors and future naval officers.

In September 2025, Vice Adm. Jeong Ho Kang, commander of Rokn NETC, visited NETC headquarters in Pensacola and met with Huffman for a briefing on U.S. Navy training initiatives. Kang also toured the Center for Information Warfare Training, Naval Aviation Schools Command and Naval Air Technical Training Center.

A year later, in September 2026, Huffman and NETC Force Master Chief Petty Officer Ben Hodges visited Jinhae, Republic of Korea, where they met with Kang. The September engagement included discussions on professional military education, force development and opportunities for continued cooperation.

Aboard Hansando, Huffman recalled the hospitality extended by Kang and his command, which celebrated its 80th anniversary this year. He connected that visit to the opportunity to welcome Korean naval personnel to Pensacola.

“We both share a deep commitment in preparing our fleets to contribute on day one, and to adapt and lead throughout their careers,” said Huffman. “To stand on this deck tonight, in our home waters of Pensacola, feels like a perfect continuation of the personal friendships and professional partnerships we reinforced in Korea.”

The port visit also brought Hansando’s crew to Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola on Oct. 28. In the spirit of unity and the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Korean Sailors laid a wreath at the park’s Korean War Memorial in remembrance and to honor those who served in the war. After the ceremony, Kim presented a commemorative coin to representatives of the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola.

Hansando’s visit brought that continuing relationship into contact with the Korean navy’s future officers. Addressing the embarked midshipmen of the Republic of Korea Naval Academy’s 81st Class, Huffman emphasized technical mastery, sound judgment and commitment to their shipmates.

“The friendships formed during this voyage are among the most lasting and mutually beneficial investments our alliance can make,” said Huffman.

Naval Education and Training Command recruits, trains and delivers those who serve our nation, transforming civilians into highly skilled, operationally ready, Battle-Ready Sailors."