Navy
Portsmouth Hosts Korean Warships
Portsmouth is currently playing host to two naval ships from the Republic of Korea.
The Destroyers have arrived as part of the Korean Navy's training deployment, which is seeing their cadets travel across the world.
The battleships have docked for a short three-day stay on the base, enjoying a welcome from Korean dignitaries and residents in the UK.
Acting Korean Ambassador based in London, Kim Chang-mo, welcomed the ships and their crew after they docked in Portsmouth.
He said: ‘The United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea have enjoyed a long history of friendship and cooperation.
‘This partnership extends to the political, economic and defence realms.
‘The Korean people are particularly thankful for the role the UK had in the defence of our nation during the Korean War."
‘This sacrifice helped to build the Korea we know today and the current partnership between our militaries serves to build on this.
Commodore Jeremy Rigby, Commander of Portsmouth Naval base, expressed enthusiasm about the visit.
‘As with our ship visits abroad, these events are not only of great diplomatic significance, but also very useful militarily given that we share similar global challenges including counter-piracy, preventing conflict, protecting our citizens overseas and supporting UN peacekeeping efforts,’ he said.
The Kang Gam Chan fired a 21-gun salute upon arrival in Portsmouth and Fort Blockhouse at Gosport fired a response.
More From Forces TV: British War Hero Donates VC To South Korea
Join Our Newsletter
