Navy Chief of Staff Buseokjong: "Establishing Military Discipline and Thorough Vigilance Are Our Tasks"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] Newly appointed Chief of Naval Operations Bu Seok-jong stated on the 10th, "For the Navy to regain public support and trust, issues related to alert posture and the lax discipline among military officers must be corrected."

On the same day, Bu visited the Ministry of National Defense press room and said, regarding the prevention of COVID-19 infections among ship crew members, "Since ships inevitably involve communal living in confined spaces, we conduct thorough preparations such as testing for infections before departure," adding, "We will ensure there are no gaps in COVID-19 infection prevention measures." In particular, he added, "I will do my best to support policies related to defense reform, wartime operational control transition, and the implementation of military agreements."

He is the first Chief of Naval Operations from Jeju and, after commissioning as the 40th class of the Naval Academy, has served as commander of the Wanggeon-class destroyer, commander of the Cheonghae Unit, chief of exercise and training staff at the Naval Operations Command, director of the Jeju Civil-Military Complex Tourist Harbor Construction Project Group, chief of intelligence and operations support staff at Naval Headquarters, commander of the 2nd Fleet, superintendent of the Naval Academy, and chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Military Support Headquarters, among other positions.

Bu will attend the 33rd and 34th Chief of Naval Operations change of command ceremony this afternoon at the large parade ground in Gyeryongdae, Chungnam. Admiral Shim Seung-seop, the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations, will retire and conclude his 39-year military career through the retirement ceremony held on the same day.

The Navy stated, "Considering the COVID-19 situation, the change of command ceremony will be attended mainly by Gyeryongdae personnel and key military figures," and added, "The event will be conducted while strictly observing high-level social distancing measures, such as spacing seats and formation lines at least 2 meters apart."