HD Hyundai vice chair visits US Naval Academy

By Park Jae-hyuk

HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun visited the United States Naval Academy (USNA), where he shared opinions on future maritime developments and research challenges with faculty and midshipmen, or officers of the lowest rank, the shipbuilding group said Sunday.

According to HD Hyundai, Chung visited the academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Friday (local time), and met USNA Superintendent Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, Academic Dean Samara Firebaugh and other academy officials.

Chung visited a hull structure lecture and a fluid dynamics laboratory, exchanging opinions on future maritime developments and research challenges with officials there.

"The Korea-U.S. alliance was forged in sacrifice and has been strengthened over the decades, extending beyond a simple military partnership to stand as a pillar of global security,” Chung said during a meeting with midshipmen. “As challenges evolve, so must our cooperation.”

Chung said HD Hyundai has secured world-leading technology in AI-based autonomous navigation and advanced digital vessels. He added that the group has successfully built five world-class Aegis destroyers for the Korean Navy, supporting innovation in national security.

Chung, a former officer in the Korean Army Commando Regiment, has been expressing his support for servicemen in Korea. In January, he prepared special barbecued meals to encourage Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) members during winter training at the Naval Education Command in South Gyeongsang Province. In January 2023, he also sent a coffee trailer to an Army ROTC winter training site.

HD Hyundai said it is making efforts to expand cooperation with the U.S. through joint research, education and internship programs. In July, the shipbuilding group signed a memorandum of understanding for educational cooperation with the University of Michigan and Seoul National University to foster talent in the shipbuilding industry.