Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) Cmdr. Terry P. McNamara participated in the Adm. Yi, Sun Shin 472nd birthday commemoration and ritual, April 28.

McNamara is the second non-Korean to be invited and participate in the celebration, which featured traditional sword dancing, drum dancing, and offerings to honor Adm. Yi's life and victories.

"I am deeply honored to participate in such a meaningful event," said McNamara. "Adm. Yi is a storied naval leader renowned for his leadership and strategic planning and it is an extraordinary opportunity to join our local Korean partners in remembering his life and legacy."

McNamara joined Mr. Kim, Du Seok, the senior superintendent general of the Namhae Coast Guard District, and Mr. Kang, Ho Hyun, the principal of Chungmu High School for the event. Each member donned traditional Korean robes, called the "Heongwan Ancestral Ritual Dress," and made a ceremonial offering at the Tongyeong Chungryeolsa Shrine.

Before the offering, McNamara took the opportunity to thank Mr. Park, Duk Kin, chairman of the Tongyeong Chungryeolsa Shrine, for his overwhelming support of the U.S. Navy in Chinhae by presenting him a personal letter of appreciation.

Adm. Yi is honored each year for his skilled defense of Korea against Japanese invasions between 1592 and 1598. Yi is also remembered for his use of the Turtle Ship, an early type of armored warship. The ship's effectiveness led to the Republic of Korea Navy adopting it as a service symbol and its inclusion in CFAC's crest.

Adm. Yi was never defeated in battle but was killed in action in 1598.

Fleet Activities Chinhae is the only U.S. Navy base in Korea, providing leadership and expertise in naval matters to improve institutional and operational effectiveness between the two navies and to strengthen collective security efforts in Korea and the region.

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