Master Chief Petty Officer Han Ju-ho's 16th Anniversary [Photo courtesy of the Navy]

"Your noble spirit of sacrifice will shine forever."

A memorial ceremony for the late Master Chief Petty Officer Han Ju-ho, who died during a search and rescue operation for missing personnel following the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan in 2010, was held on the 30th in front of his statue at Jinheiro Beach Park in Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam-do, marking his 16th anniversary.

The ceremony, presided over by the Navy's Special Warfare Flotilla (UDT/SEAL), was attended by approximately 100 people, including his family, represented by Mrs. Kim Mal-soon, as well as key commanders from the Navy and Marine Corps such as Navy Education Command Commander Kang Jeong-ho and Special Warfare Flotilla Commander Park Sun-sik, along with members of the UDT Alumni Association and officials from the Gyeongnam Dongbu Veterans Affairs Office, to honor the deceased's spirit.

Attendees reflected on Master Chief Petty Officer Han's military spirit, demonstrated by his self-sacrificing dedication to his duty, through the offering of flowers, incense, and silent tribute.

Following the memorial ceremony, the 'Han Ju-ho Award' was presented to Senior Chief Petty Officer Yoon Yang-kwon of the Navy's Special Warfare Flotilla and Chief Warrant Officer Ban Chi-sik of the Marine Corps Search Training Unit.

Established in 2011, this award is the most prestigious honor presented to unit members who have made significant contributions to training and combat readiness in the fields of special warfare and rescue operations.

Master Chief Petty Officer Han joined the Navy's Special Warfare Flotilla in 1975 and served as a UDT member his entire career.

In 2010, despite being in his 50s and not a young age at the time of the ROKS Cheonan incident, he volunteered for the rescue mission, stating, "I will go in myself and check." He ultimately succumbed while performing his search duties in extreme conditions.

Special Warfare Flotilla Commander Park Sun-sik stated, "The courage and spirit of sacrifice left behind by Master Chief Petty Officer Han will forever live within the hearts of our Navy and Marine Corps personnel," adding, "We will not forget the hero's dedication."