Seoul-based
Sailors and Marines from the U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK)
participated in a remembrance service March 24 to honor the Korean
Sailors lost during the sinking of ROKS Cheonan (PCC-772) five years
ago.
The 1,200-ton ship broke into two from an explosion, suspected to be
from a North Korean torpedo, on March 26, 2010, while operating in
waters west of the Korean peninsula. Of the 104-man crew, 46 Korean
Sailors perished in the incident, along with a ROK navy diver who lost
his life during the subsequent rescue efforts.
“The tragic loss of ROKS Cheonan and her brave Sailors is a solemn
reminder of the human cost of freedom,” said Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti,
commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea. “We shall never forget the 46
fallen Sailors of the Cheonan and their UDT rescuer, nor will we forget
the pain and sorrow experienced by their families and shipmates. The
legacy of these Sailors will live on in all those who serve as part of
our alliance with the Republic of Korea.”
In observance of Korean tradition, Franchetti led a flower-laying and
incense ceremony with other distinguished guests including Republic of
Korea Navy Rear Adm. Myung-han Choi, Combined Forces Command C1.
“It was a sad loss for us, but out of the overwhelming sadness, was
born in the minds of the people the respect for the professionalism and
patriotism demonstrated by the 46 warriors of the Cheonan,” said Rear
Adm. Choi. “Their legacy lives on and serves as a reminder to the people
that security awareness can never be over emphasized.”
Cheonan’s stern was raised on April 15, 2010, and recovery efforts
concluded on August 25 of that same year. Both the ROK and U.S. navies
contributed to the rescue and recovery efforts of ROKS Cheonan,
including USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), USS Curtis
Wilbur (DDG 54), and USS Lassen (DDG 82).
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.