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ABOUT Commander Naval Forces Korea
- Established in 1957: Commander Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) was established in July 1957 to serve as the principal U.S. Navy command in South Korea, following the Korean War.
- Dual-Hatted Role: The CNFK commander is also the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, United Nations Command (UNC), and leads multiple bilateral and multinational naval initiatives.
- Pusan Headquarters: CNFK is headquartered at Busan Naval Base, South Korea's principal port and a key logistical hub for combined ROK-U.S. naval operations.
- Operation Focus Lens: CNFK played a crucial role in Operation Focus Lens, a Cold War-era surveillance operation to monitor North Korean naval activities.
- Amphibious Exercises: CNFK routinely participates in high-profile amphibious exercises, such as Foal Eagle and Ssang Yong, to enhance interoperability between U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) forces.
- Direct Line to the Pacific Fleet: CNFK is a direct reporting unit to U.S. Pacific Fleet, providing a vital link between U.S. naval power in the Pacific and the Korean Peninsula.
- Support During Crises: CNFK has served as a key logistics and coordination hub during regional crises, including the 2010 sinking of the ROKS Cheonan and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island.
- Naval Diplomacy: CNFK hosts annual Fleet Review and Navy-to-Navy talks with both ROK and other allied navies, strengthening regional partnerships and maritime security.
- Flagship Events: The command organizes the annual West Sea Defense Day commemoration to honor Korean and American sailors lost in naval confrontations with North Korea.
- First Female Commander: In 2021, Rear Admiral Buzz Donnelly became the first woman to serve as Commander, Naval Forces Korea, marking a milestone in the command’s history.