In a showcase of athletic talents which fostered camaraderie and friendships between two nations, midshipmen from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and their counterparts from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy participated in a friendly soccer match September 10 on the UH Mānoa campus.
Final score: The visiting ROK Navy team won the match against UH NROTC, 5-0.
“We were thrilled to welcome the Republic of Korea Navy Midshipmen to our campus for this exciting soccer match,” said Capt. Grace Jenkins, UH marine officer instructor. “This event not only promoted teamwork and sportsmanship but also strengthened the ties between our nations, reflecting our shared values and commitment to maritime security.”
Twenty-four midshipmen from the ROK Navy traveled to Hawaiʻi as part of their annual training cruise for graduating seniors of their naval academy aboard the Hansando training vessel and the Hwacheon logistic ship. They are traveling 30,000 nautical miles over 141 days and visiting 13 countries, and will travel next to the Panama Canal.
Even with the loss, the event was a testament to the shared commitment to the mission of the UH Naval Service Training Command, which is dedicated to transforming volunteers into naval service professionals by instilling and reinforcing enduring core values, knowledge and skills to prepare them for the fleet.
