Trainees at the Royal Australian Naval College (RANC) are taught about the importance of international relationships and inter-navy cooperation. 

Now, for trainees from New Entry Officer Course 76, these are no longer abstract concepts.

On October 23, Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) trainees from the Republic of Korea Ship Hansando travelled from HMAS Kuttabul to the RANC at HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay, ACT.

On arrival at the RANC, two Korean-speaking trainees, Midshipman Mi Lee and Sub-Lieutenant Hyung Park, welcomed the visitors to Creswell, complete with an historical tour. 

Once the friendly welcome was complete, the visiting trainees took on their Australian counterparts in a competitive round of volleyball. 

The competition was fierce and excitement palpable, as even the instructors rolled up their sleeves to join in.

The scorecard was soon forgotten as the games continued, as RANC trainees stood side by side with their ROKN counterparts and cheered on both sides.

Later, a beach walk allowed trainees to talk and connect over mutual experiences and teach each other about their respective navies and cultures.

'These opportunities are where shared values become lived experience.'

After a long morning of travel and sports, trainees from Waller division cooked up a 'true blue' Australian barbecue for the visiting trainees.

During lunch, the sound of good conversation and laughter could be heard across the base, as trainees swapped stories, challenge coins and patches from their own uniforms.

Commanding Officer RANC Commander Peter Chapman said goodbye with swapped gifts and well wishes.

“We’re proud to host the Republic of Korea Navy and their midshipmen at the Royal Australian Naval College,” Commander Chapman said.

“These opportunities are where shared values become lived experience. 

“Learning together, training together and building the trust that underpins the partnership between our navies.” 

Commander ROKN Cruise Training Task Group Rear Admiral Sangyong Hong echoed Commander Chapman’s words.

“We sincerely hope that this visit by the Cruise Training Task Group will continue to contribute to the close cooperation and enduring friendship between the Republic of Korea and Australia for regional peace and prosperity,” he said.

“The unwavering support of Australia, along with the commitment and sacrifice of its Korean War veterans, laid the foundation for the freedom, peace and prosperity that the Republic of Korea enjoys today.”

As the buses left the RANC, the two groups waved each other off, many hoping that someday they will meet again at sea.