Light machine gunner Jae Bong Cha, a Republic of Korea

Light machine gunner Jae Bong Cha, a Republic of Korea Marine visiting USS New Orleans here, speaks to embarked members of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, June 4, during a weapons class. The visitors boarded the ship to sail to Hawaii for the Korean Marine Exercise Program 12-9, a regularly scheduled combined exercise involving a platoon of Republic of Korea Marines from 1st Company, 21st Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and U.S. Marine forces from 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines. This exercise will focus on strengthening the ROK-U.S. relationship while enhancing tactical interoperability and developing ROK Marine operational capabilities.