The Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and the ROK-U.S. Alliance Friendship Association announced on Monday that they had visited the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii last Friday to present Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo with a Korean name and an honorary 7th dan Taekwondo certificate.
Admiral Paparo’s Korean name was Seo Hae Seong, a combination of the surname Seo and the given name Hae Seong. The foundation explained that this name signifies becoming a person as vast as the ocean and shining like a star, symbolizing the hope that he would lead his forces to victory over the vast waters of the Indo-Pacific.
The Korean name and the honorary Taekwondo certificate deeply moved Admiral Paparo. He expressed gratitude and said he would fully embrace their profound meaning and value.
The foundation urged Admiral Paparo to continue fostering the development of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and strengthening the two nations’ combined defense posture during his tenure.
In response, Admiral Paparo reaffirmed the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance, stating that it is stronger than ever, and concluded his remarks with the phrase “We Go Together.”
A foundation representative emphasized the importance of ensuring the stable stationing of U.S. forces in South Korea and maintaining a robust combined defense posture through continuous joint exercises, regardless of political circumstances in either country.
The Indo-Pacific Command stated it would closely coordinate with Combined Forces Commander Xavier Brunson to maintain an ironclad Korea-U.S. alliance and defense posture.
The event’s attendees included Yoo Myung Hwan, Chairman of the Foundation; Lee Geon Soo, Honorary Chairman; Im Ho Young, President; Woo Hyun Ui, President of the Association; Lee Jeong Min, Director; and Colonel Park Yong Jun, Defense Attaché.
As part of its efforts to enhance Korea-U.S. friendship, the association has been giving Korean names as gifts to U.S. military commanders, including those stationed in South Korea.
Notable figures who have received Korean names include former Combined Forces Commanders Robert Abrams (Woo Byeong Soo), Vincent Brooks (Park Yoo Jong), Curtis Scaparrotti (Seo Han Taek), and James Thurman (Seo Min Je).