Caption Sideboys are posted for the welcoming of Vice Adm. Kwang-Woong Yoon, CINCROKFLT. Photo by: PHAN Chris Howell

Since the beginning of the bilateral, combined military exercise between the Republic of Korea and the United States known as FOAL EAGLE, dignitaries of both the Korean military and national government have flown out to get a glimpse of what every Sailor sees daily.

Yesterday was one of the more visible visits, when Rear Adm. Charles Moore, Battle Force SEVENTH Fleet, Capt. Mark Milliken, Indy's Commanding Officer, and Capt. Richard Mauldin, Carrier Airwing FIVE welcomed some of Korea's highest government officials. Just hours before their arrival, Vice Adm. Robert Natter, Commander SEVENTH Fleet flew via ES-3A Shadow to visit with Vice Adm. Kwang-Woong Yoon, Commander-in-Chief, Republic of Korea Fleet.

Caption Rear Adm. Charles Moore, Battle Force SEVENTH Fleet, welcomes Vice Adm. Robert Natter, Commander SEVENTH Fleet. Photo by PHAN Chris Howell.

The itinerary was full for all the visitors, which included tours of the flag and ship's bridge, flight operations viewing, and an air power demonstration given by various aircraft from the airwing.

Concluding the visit, guests were presented with mementos of the trip. A world famous Independence ballcap, which Rear Adm. Moore jokingly added is worth thousands of dollars in Japan, a "one"turion patch commemorating their first trap, Tailhook certificate, DV Welcome Aboard booklet, and a small photo book provided by the photo lab.

Caption Gathering for a photo opportunity upon their arrival quests included Minister Ki-Moon Ban, Senior Secretary to the President for National Security and Foreign Affairs; Min. Kak-Bum Lee, Senior Secretary to the President for Policy Planning; Min. Jae-Ho Yoo, Senior Secretary to the President for General Affairs; Min. Hyong-Ki Kim, Senior Secretary to the President for National Reunification; Min. Jong-Rak Kwon, Secretary to the President for Foreign Affairs, and various additional officers from the Republic of Korea military. Photo by PHAN Chris Howell.

So CV/DV 62 continues to sail on, welcoming aboard people from all over the world. As for the schedule this week, expect DV's all the way through next Tuesday, (except Sunday.)

This visit stressed the importance of both countries working together in a time of crisis. In combination with Exercise FOAL EAGLE and visits like these, relations between the United States and South Korea will continue to strengthen.