Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group Arrives in Saudi Arabia in 2023
The South Korean Navy's Cruise Training Task Group docked at Jeddah Islamic Port in Saudi Arabia on Friday, Dec. 1, marking its second visit since 2015. The visit to Jeddah is part of a wider training program that includes stops at 13 ports and 12 cities, aimed at preparing midshipmen for naval service aboard the ROKS Hansando and the support ship ROKS Hwacheon.
At the port, they were greeted by South Korean Ambassador Park Joon-Yong, Consul General Woo Hong-Koo, and other dignitaries, including members of the local Korean community.
Midshipmen Jang Jae-Kyung and Lee Hak-Je shared that the training cruise is an annual tradition for the Naval Academy's 4th-year students. This particular visit reinforces the longstanding friendship between South Korea and Saudi Arabia, which dates back to the Korean War.
The Task Group commemorates its 70th cruise training anniversary and the graduation of the Naval Academy's 78th class of midshipmen, numbering approximately 150. This year's events also celebrate ROKS Hwacheon's seventh global voyage.
Included in the contingent is a Saudi midshipman, Faisal Mohammed Alkhathami, who is part of an exchange program and enjoying a hometown welcome.
The fleet will stay in Saudi Arabia until Dec. 4, conducting navy exchanges, school visits, receptions, ship tours, and showcasing defense industry capabilities. The crew is eager to explore Jeddah and Saudi history.
Following their Saudi Arabian stop, the ships will proceed to India and conclude their journey in Japan. By the end of their trip, the Task Group will have sailed 30,000 miles, covering a distance 1.5 times the Earth's circumference.
Midshipmen Jang Jae-Kyung and Lee Hak-Je shared that the training cruise is an annual tradition for the Naval Academy's 4th-year students. This particular visit reinforces the longstanding friendship between South Korea and Saudi Arabia, which dates back to the Korean War.
The Task Group commemorates its 70th cruise training anniversary and the graduation of the Naval Academy's 78th class of midshipmen, numbering approximately 150. This year's events also celebrate ROKS Hwacheon's seventh global voyage.
Included in the contingent is a Saudi midshipman, Faisal Mohammed Alkhathami, who is part of an exchange program and enjoying a hometown welcome.
The fleet will stay in Saudi Arabia until Dec. 4, conducting navy exchanges, school visits, receptions, ship tours, and showcasing defense industry capabilities. The crew is eager to explore Jeddah and Saudi history.
Following their Saudi Arabian stop, the ships will proceed to India and conclude their journey in Japan. By the end of their trip, the Task Group will have sailed 30,000 miles, covering a distance 1.5 times the Earth's circumference.
