Administrator Seok Jong-gun of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) visited Washington, D.C., from the 19th to the 20th (local time) to discuss cooperation plans in naval shipbuilding, operation, maintenance, and repair (MRO) with key officials from the U.S. Navy and the Ministry of National Defense, he noted on the 21st.

According to DAPA, Administrator Seok met with Vice Minister Brett Sadler and presented detailed measures on how South Korea can contribute to the strengthening of U.S. naval forces. At this meeting, Administrator Seok requested the U.S. side’s interest and support for easing related regulations, such as the 'Bans-Tollefson Act,' which restricts the construction of U.S. naval vessels to American shipyards.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announces that Chief of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Seok Jong-geon, visits Washington, DC, USA since the 19th and discusses cooperation plans with major officials from the U.S. Navy and the Ministry of National Defense on the 21st. /Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration

A DAPA official explained, "This meeting was a follow-up to the visit of the U.S. Secretary of the Navy in April, during which they met with the acting president and visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean shipyards to discuss the potential for shipbuilding cooperation with South Korean corporations."

Administrator Seok also met with Admiral James Downey, commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command, to inform him of the high maintenance quality of South Korean shipyards and to discuss ways to practically expand cooperation in the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) sector.

Additionally, they emphasized the excellence of the supply chain that can reliably provide shipbuilding materials and components, reaching a consensus with Admiral Downey that South Korea is the best partner to strengthen the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding and maintenance base.

Taking advantage of his visit to the U.S., Administrator Seok met with Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong to confirm the local situation regarding South Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation and held discussions with domestic defense companies to explore government-level support measures.

Administrator Seok said, "In a situation where the U.S. emphasizes the importance of cooperation with South Korea in the shipbuilding sector, it is necessary to prepare strategic measures for entering the U.S. defense market and to expand the scope of access," and added, "DAPA will do its utmost to ensure that early results are achieved in the areas of U.S. shipbuilding and MRO where formal discussions are underway."