Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) and Commander, Republic of Korea Fleet (COMROKFLT) celebrated the opening of a combined US-ROK Navy Club in Busan with a ribbon-cutting and subsequent award ceremony Nov. 1.

The ribbon cutting, attended by CNFK and COMROKFLT senior leaders and Sailors, marked the completion of a project that began as a way to strengthen the alliance and support morale-building activities among US and ROK Sailors by providing a space designed to promote cultural exchange between the two navies.

"The US-ROK Naval alliance has never been stronger and one of the foundations of that strength is mutual understanding, both militarily and culturally." said Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of CNFK. "The Navy Club will provide the perfect place for US and ROK Sailors to share our unique naval traditions and cultures, enhancing our partnership here in Busan."

"CRF has been an incredible host to CNFK sharing the facilities located on Busan Naval Base, including this building where we'll be able to combine traditions from both our navies." said Cmdr. Jeff Pfeil, staff engineer for CNFK.

The awards ceremony recognized US and ROK Sailors and civilian government employees that have made significant contributions to the alliance over the last few months, including support for recent operations between the ROK Navy and the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group.

CNFK is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and the only U.S. military major command to be stationed on a ROK Navy base. CNFK provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the Commander of the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.

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