US Navy Secretary Visits South Korea’s Top Shipyards To Boost Fleet Readiness

South Korean shipyard — Image Credits: US Navy/X

US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan visited two of South Korea’s major shipyards- Hanwha Ocean Shipbuilding and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries- during his scheduled tour of the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit aimed to boost cooperation with the Republic of Korea.

Phelan held meetings with industry leaders during his tour, discussing the strength and capabilities of South Korea’s maritime industrial base.

The Navy stated that the Republic of Korea plays an important part in vessel maintenance, repair, and overhaul services that are essential for improving the US Navy’s operational performance.

The Navy said that working with advanced shipyards such as Hanwha and HD Hyundai ensures that US ships and systems deployed in the Indo-Pacific remain fully functional.

Their reliable repair services allow US naval assets to undergo timely maintenance, helping ships stay in peak condition.

This level of support contributes directly to the Navy’s combat readiness, reduces downtime, and helps maintain a steady operational presence in the region-all of which support overall regional stability.

One of the main highlights of Phelan’s visit was the repair of the dry cargo ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) at Hanwha Ocean Shipyard.

According to the Navy, this was the first Military Sealift Command ship to be repaired in South Korea.

The underway replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202), which belongs to the Henry J. Kaiser class, is currently undergoing maintenance at the same shipyard.

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US-based Huntington Ingalls Industries.

The agreement focuses on exploring collaborative opportunities in both the commercial and defense shipbuilding sectors.

Officials said that the relationship between the US Navy and South Korea’s maritime industry extends beyond technical repairs. The Navy added that this partnership encourages innovation, supports economic growth, and enhances mutual defense capabilities.

Reference: US Navy

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