HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Employees Awarded Government Commendation for Defense Capability Improvement Contributions

Executive Director Kang Kyuhwan and 6 Others
Contributed to the Successful Construction of the First Training Ship ‘Hansando’

Kang Gyu-hwan, Executive Director in charge of Special Ship Production at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (right), is receiving the Industrial Service Medal at the '2023 Defense Capability Improvement Meritorious Government Award Ceremony' held at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration on the 20th. Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

Executives and employees of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries received government awards for their contributions to improving South Korea's defense capabilities by building high-quality naval vessels.

On the 20th, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that Kang Gyu-hwan, Executive Director in charge of production at the Special Ship Division, was awarded the Industrial Medal at the '2023 Defense Capability Improvement Meritorious Government Awards Ceremony' held by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

In addition to Executive Director Kang Gyu-hwan, Executive Director Lee Sang-bong and Senior Manager Lee Yoo-chang received the Prime Minister's Commendation, while Senior Managers Park Chan-geol, Kim Jae-min, and Fourth Grade Engineer Kim Jin-young were awarded the Minister of National Defense Commendation.

Six individuals, including Executive Director Kang Gyu-hwan, were recognized for their contributions to the successful construction of the 'Hansando-class' training ship, the first training vessel in the history of the Republic of Korea Navy.

The Hansando-class ship is a 4,500-ton vessel built for the first time in South Korean naval history specifically for education and training purposes, and it was delivered to the Navy in October 2020.

Since its delivery, the Hansando-class ship has played a crucial role in enhancing combat readiness by enabling naval cadets, non-commissioned officer candidates, and enlisted personnel to conduct various training exercises such as combat command and engine room practice.

Executive Director Kang Gyu-hwan served as the on-site representative for the Hansando-class construction project, directing and supervising the construction site, significantly contributing to the timely delivery of a high-quality vessel that perfectly met the Navy's requirements. Furthermore, following the early delivery of the 2,800-ton new frigate Cheonan, the seventh ship in its class, by 1.5 months this year, he also ensured the on-time delivery of the last ship in the class, the Chuncheon, leading efforts to guarantee the delivery schedule and quality of naval vessels.

Other executives and employees, including Executive Director Lee Sang-bong, also made significant contributions to the successful construction of the vessels by flawlessly performing their respective roles in design, procurement, safety, and other areas.

Additionally, Senior Manager Kang Bo-kyung received the Presidential Commendation for pioneering overseas naval vessel maintenance support (MRO) projects, including establishing a military support center in the Philippines, thereby enhancing the status of South Korea's defense industry.

Kang Gyu-hwan, Executive Director of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, expressed, "I am proud and honored to contribute to improving our country's defense capabilities. I will continue to devote all my efforts to building perfect vessels to strengthen the Navy's combat power."

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has played a key role in protecting South Korea's territorial waters by constructing 87 vessels, including the Sejong the Great-class, the country's first Aegis destroyer, and has secured orders for 14 vessels overseas, the highest number among domestic shipbuilders.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.