Welcome to Korea!

Greetings and Welcome to Korea, “The Land of the Morning Calm.”

You are joining 500 Sailors and their families here in Korea. We are dedicated to each other and 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 at here and beyond. 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 into any plan or activity. 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.

I believe in you. I trust you. I want you to succeed, and I will do EVERYTHING I can to nurture that success as part of a winning team in Korea.

Above all else, and in all things, I want you to DO GREAT THINGS!

~Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea

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