Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea, Oct. 16 for its first liberty port in the country since being forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, earlier this year.

"Barry's officers and crew have worked tremendously hard during this forward deployment to 7th Fleet supporting the Navy's forward presence mission," said Cmdr. Jennifer Eaton, commanding officer of Barry. "Our port visit to Korea gives us an opportunity to help strengthen our alliances with the Republic of Korea and their navy, and positively contribute to regional security and stability while giving our Sailors the opportunity to experience this beautiful city and culture."

While in Busan, Barry Sailors will interact with their Republic of Korea navy counterparts, as well as reach out to the community in a community relations project (COMREL). Barry Sailors also hope to learn more about Korea's culture by exploring sites around the greater Busan region through tours arranged by the ship's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) committee, led by Chief Petty Officer Juan V. Dominguez.

"Team Barry is fortunate enough to experience seven different tours, ranging from a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) visit to a very popular hike on Mt. Geumjong ending at the Beomeosa Temple," said Dominguez. "This is a great opportunity for our Sailors to experience the diversity and culture that Korea has to offer."

"I joined the Navy to travel," said Seaman Natasha S. Stillman, from Millsboro, Delaware. "I'm excited to do exactly that here in Busan and share in our different cultures. The shift to becoming a forward-deployed crew has been demanding, making these port visits all the more worthwhile."

Commissioned in 1992, Barry is the oldest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and is the fourth ship named after the "Father of the American Navy," Commodore John Barry.

Barry is currently on patrol with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 in waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula, supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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