BUSAN, Republic of Korea -Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, (CNFK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) fleet co-hosted the Second Annual ROK and U.S. Senior Enlisted Leadership Development Program (SELDP) in Busan, June 14-16.

The program, attended by 36 ROK and U.S. senior enlisted leaders, gave attendees the chance to openly discuss and share leadership principles with one another to enhance leadership practices between both forces.

"I am very excited with the turnout for this year's program," said CNFK Command Master Chief Chris Stone. "The level of participation is indicative of the partnership across the combined forces and the importance placed on leading our ROK and U.S. Sailors, soldier, airmen and Marines."

U.S. Forces Korea Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Payton, a guest speaker at the event, echoed Stone's sentiment when he welcomed the group by remarking on the diversity and experience of the entire team.

"It is wonderful to see the uniforms of so many branches represented here today," said Payton. "Together, we have centuries of knowledge and experience and I am looking forward to sharing that experience to strengthen our forces, friendships, and alliance."

Throughout the two-day event, the enlisted leaders participated in team-building exercises and discussed topics impacting the combined force.

"Our Sailors face many challenges today, and those challenges, if not properly met, will impact our commands and our mission," said Stone. "It is our responsibility as leaders to give our Sailors the tools they need to make the right decisions through superior leadership and management skills."

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the commander of the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.