Your Noble Sacrifice Will Never Be Forgotten

- The Cruise Training Task Group will participate in the event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War co-hosted by the Republic of Korea and New Zealand Governments.

- To mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, an event of gratitude will be hosted, and over 100 New Zealand Korea War Veterans have been invited.

- Officers and midshipmen of the Task Group will also visit Ranfurly Veterans’ Home and Hospital, providing a community service.

When the Korean War erupted, New Zealand quickly dispatched its soldiers and ships for Korea, including eight naval ships, an army artillery brigade, and troops amounting to 6,000 men. They proved their courage in battles such as the East-West Sea Blockade Operation, the Incheon Amphibious Operation, the Artillery Assistance Operation, the Gapyung Battle, and the Hook Hill Battle. During its participation in the Korean War, a total of 100 casualties occurred.

The 2010 ROK Cruise Training Task Group, which left Jinhae last July 2nd, arrives at its fourth port of call at the Queen’s Wharf of Auckland, New Zealand, on August 19th and during its stay it will host two events of gratitude for the Korean War veterans.

The Cruise Training Task Group, led by Rear Admiral Lower Half, Byeung Kweon Lee, is composed of 600 sailors and approximately 120 of the 65th class of midshipmen who will be commissioned next year, are on-board. The two ships following the Task Group is 3,200 ton destroyer YANGMANCHOON and the 4,200 ton fast combat support ship HWACHEON.

The ROK Cruise Training Task Group, which is visiting 7 countries in 90 days, will visit 6 Korean War participant countries – New Zealand, Canada, the US, Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines – and host events of gratitude, as it is the 60th anniversary of the Korea War.

Minister of Patriots & Veterans Affairs Yang Kim, Commander of the Task Group Byeong Kweon Lee, and the Task Group midshipmen will visit the Ranfurly Veterans’ Home and Hospital on August 20th, expressing their gratitude for the Korea War Veterans. They will participate in community service, painting and helping repair the hospital.

On August 20th, on-board the ROKS YANGMANCHOON, the ‘Event of Gratitude for the Korea War Veterans’ will be co-hosted by the Task Group and Ambassador Kwang Il Noh of the Korean Embassy. The Minister of Patriots & Veterans Affairs Yang Kim will also be present. From New Zealand Melissa Lee, Member of Parliament and Tony Parr, Chief of Navy Rear Admiral, will attend. Samulnori and Naval Band performances will be prepared for the war veterans as well as a ‘Thank You’ video made by the ROK Government. Through the event, the friendship and camaraderie between the two countries will be tightened.

Also, on August 21st, during the event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War (co-hosted by the ROK and NZ Governments), the Hon Yang Kim, Commander Byeong Kweon Lee, and the Task Group midshipmen will visit the Cenotaph at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and pay their respects.



During its 4 days of stay, the Cruise Training Task Group will open the ship to the New Zealand citizens, residents, and soldiers. Opening an exhibition hall in ROKS HWACHEON, the Task Group will show the history of Korea’s development after overcoming the war, and widely advertise our national defense industry.

Also, the company of the Cruise Training Task Group will provide a number of cultural performances on August 21st, from 13:30, on the upper courtyard of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, including Samulnori, Navy Band, Taekwondo and Guard of Honour performances. Through these performances, the navy will display the vigour and strength of its sailors.

While sending its message of the strong alliance between the two countries, Korea and New Zealand, the Task Group also plans to promote various aspects of Korean traditional culture to the local community with the hopes of increasing the morale and pride of the Korean residents living in New Zealand.

After completing its agenda in New Zealand, the Task Group will set sail for its next port of call, Sydney, Australia on August 22nd.