Welcome to Korea!
Annyeonghaseyo! On behalf of the entire Navy team here "on peninsula," welcome to what will be a hugely rewarding professional and personal tour. You have landed on one of the greatest opportunities for contributing to our Navy's essential role in maintaining the security and stability of the entire Pacific, based on the pivotal role that the peninsula of Korea plays.

This tour offers a direct exposure to highly operationally relevant events day-in and day-out, as well as the opportunity to develop a broad awareness of the role that Navy plays within our own national strategy and in developing the vital partnerships and alliances in this pivotal area of operations. U.S. Naval Forces Korea maintains one of the highest Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program (OTEIP) rates in the Navy—Sailors recognize the great opportunity of serving at U.S. Naval Forces Korea and living in this beautiful country. 

U.S. Naval Forces Korea is a relatively small force size on Korea, compared with the other U.S. component commands. It provides us with a unique opportunity to be immersed in the culture of Korea. While an exciting prospect, it can also be a little daunting. We are here to assist your transition onto the peninsula, and the entire command stands ready to support you during your tour.

You and your family are joining a small group of professionals working to maintain peace in this vital area of the world. We are dedicated to each other and to the mission, which is vast and complex.

I want you to know that my number one priority is ensuring you and your families have an outstanding tour. We are selflessly serving during a critical period for the U.S-Republic of Korea (ROK) alliance so what we do is important, but nothing is more important than your welfare.

Our priority is to be ready to “fight tonight.” We can never lose sight of that, and if we think “people first,” we will always be ready.

My commitment to you is life-long. I want you to be successful here and beyond this assignment. I will do everything I can to make your tour in Korea the most extraordinary experience of your life.

You and your families matter, and I make it a priority to include our families in our plans and activities. If you begin to feel that is not true, my door is open, and I hope you tell me because I value positive leadership, high energy, innovation, creativity, hard work, precision execution, and results.

My expectation is that we are the model for how to do it right, but I need your help. I need you to be role models and noble citizens, and find ways to add value to our Navy family and community here in Korea.

We look forward to welcoming you, to getting you on board and part of our crew!

Katchi Kapshida! (We go together!)

For more information on living and serving in the Republic of Korea visit Korea Bound magazine.