Today, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday met with Chief of Naval Operations of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Adm. Lee, Jong-Ho in Gyeryong, ROK, as part of his trip to the Indo-Pacific region to attend the International Fleet Review and Western Pacific Naval Symposium. 

The two leaders discussed the enduring nature of the U.S.-ROK naval alliance, as well their shared commitment to security and peace and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific. They also talked about regional and peninsular security, to include the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) continuous provocations such as nuclear threats and missile launches. 

Gilday emphasized the importance of continuing to work with our Allies and partners to secure peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, as well as continued efforts to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.   

Gilday also offered his condolences and deepest sympathies to the people of Korea who had loved ones that were killed or injured in the recent tragedy in Seoul.