Seven members of the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC), Republic of Korea and Seattle Chapter were welcomed aboard the USS Ford (FFG 54) for a ship tour March 9.

The NAUC is a constitutionally recognized organization that was founded in the early 1800s in response to the South Korean public’s yearning to achieve peaceful unification with North Korea.

The council is responsible for offering advice and suggestions to the president with regards to the overall approach to unification policy.

They also help the public reach consensus on unification issues and serve as the focal point of efforts to achieve peaceful unification.

NUAC has about 17,000 advisors both in Korea and abroad. Among the NUAC visitors, three were from the Republic of Korea and four were from their Seattle Chapter. The visitors were accompanied by two representatives from the City of Everett Mayor’s office. During the tour, they were able to visit the ship’s most important controlling stations onboard including Ford’s Combat Information Center, Pilothouse and Central Control Station. They were also able to get an idea of what life is like out to sea when they toured the crew’s berthing, galley and work spaces shared by Ford’s 175 enlisted crew members.

For many of those touring the ship, the opportunity was one they will always remember.

“The tour was very interesting,” said Gregory H. Pak, senior vice president, NUAC Seattle Chapter. “This was my second time on a ship and I was very proud to show our visitors from the Republic of Korea a U.S. Navy Warship.”

After the tour the visitors enjoyed a variety of foods and desserts prepared by Ford’s culinary specialists in the ships wardroom. Cmdr. Cord Luby, USS Ford commanding officer then presented a command coin and ship ball cap to Lee Ki Taek, NUAC, Republic of Korea executive vice chairperson.

“We were very honored to spend time with USS Ford’s officers and Commander Ruby, and we appreciate the thoughtful presentation provided by all personnel,” said Taek. “We very much enjoyed our tour of the USS Ford.”

Their visit to Everett also consisted of a tour of the local area and Boeing.