NAS Pensacola welcomes Republic of Korea Ship Hansando

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) -Sailors lined up early Monday morning to greet crew members and midshipmen aboard the ROKS Hansando as the ship made its first visit to NAS Pensacola.

The ROKS Hansando is carrying 125 crew members and 200 midshipmen who are part of the Cruise Task Training Group. The ship left South Korea last month and is making stops at ports in seven countries, including Guatemala and Panama. In addition to Pensacola, U.S. stops include Hawaii and Baltimore.

Lt. Commander Yoon Sangho said the visit is meant to strengthen ties between the two countries’ navies.

“It’s a great honor to visit in Pensacola for the first time in Korean Cruise Navy Test Crew,” Yoon said. “We are visiting here for strengthening between Korea and U.S. Navy alliance and we will do our best to foster the corporation.”

Personnel from NAS Pensacola waved American and Korean flags as the ship docked. Crew members and midshipmen waved back.

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Chandra Newman said the visit benefits both sides.

“We are proud to welcome your crew,” Newman said. “This visit gives our personnel a meaningful opportunity to share experiences, learn more about each other’s Naval traditions and build connections that last long after this port ends.”

Crew members were treated to lunch and met with those stationed at NAS Pensacola.

The ship will remain in Pensacola until Thursday, when it will continue its journey. The voyage is expected to end back home in South Korea early next year.

Yoon said the crew also plans to visit the war memorial in downtown Pensacola.

“He wants to visit the war memorial that’s in downtown and doing that the ship wants to show appreciation for the Korean War veterans in this area as well,” Yoon said.