Rear Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Korea, visited Sungshin Women’s University in Seoul November 18 where she spoke to first-year students about leadership principles and career development and answered questions about her role as the first female U.S. Navy flag officer stationed on the Korean peninsula.

The visit to the women’s university is part of a “good neighbor” community outreach initiative between U.S. military personnel and citizens from the Republic of Korea. 

During her remarks, Rear Admiral Franchetti shared her personal story of how she pursued her dream of becoming a commanding officer of a U.S. Navy warship even before the Navy allowed women to serve on combatant vessels. 

“I established my career goals early and I did everything I could to prepare for those goals,” said Franchetti.  “I worked hard to get as much experience and earn as many qualifications as I could.  And when the doors of opportunity opened up for women (to serve on Navy warships), I was ready to walk through.”  

While discussing her personal leadership philosophy, Rear Admiral Franchetti also encouraged students to develop their own leadership style early in their careers and think of themselves as leaders.

“Every one of you has the potential to become a great leader,” said Franchetti.  “It’s important to think about how you’re going to lead and relate to other people, whether you lead just one person or hundreds of people.”

The event concluded with a question and answer session where Rear Admiral Franchetti had the opportunity to offer advice to students about their dreams and career goals.

“I learned all I really needed to do was focus on being my best,” said Franchetti.  “I knew what I wanted to do, I knew what I needed to do to get there, and I had faith in my goals.”

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the Commander for the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.