South Korean civic leaders gain insight on Air Force mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Steven R. Doty
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) --  Gunsan civic leaders received a firsthand look at how the United States and South Korean air forces work together to maintain peace and stability in the region Jan. 7 during a tour of Kunsan Air Base. 

Officials from the 8th Fighter Wing hosted 15 leaders from the local community including Gunsan City Mayor Dong Shin Moon for a day-trip to Osan Air Base, South Korea. 

The trip included a 7th Air Force mission brief, tour of the Korean Air and Space Operations Center, lunch and a tour of A-10 Thunderbolt II and U-2 aircraft. 

"This tour gave our Gunsan civic leaders a better appreciation of our relationship with our Republic of Korea allies," said Col. CQ Brown, the 8th Fighter Wing commander. "By visiting our headquarters, they were also given the opportunity to see how the 8th Fighter Wing fits into the bigger picture in the defense of Korea." 

Leaders also learned about the cooperation between the two Air Forces. 

The dedication and involvement from communities like Gunsan make the mission a success across the peninsula, said Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood, the 7th Air Force commander. 

"I can't think of any other citizenry that wants to support their base more than the Gunsan City community," General Wood said. 

General Wood said his relationship with the people of South Korea goes back to when he was stationed at Kunsan AB as the 8th Operations Group commander nearly 12 years ago, and how that has allowed the U.S. Air Force to grow and develop here. He also emphasized the importance and need for future leaders and Airmen to continue this strong bond. 

"We're always happy to host the Gunsan civic leaders at 7th Air Force and we value every chance we have to continue our already strong friendship and alliance," General Wood said 

"This is the first time visiting Osan for most of my congregation," Mayor Moon said. "We are leaving here with a cultivated trust and faith in the Republic of Korea and United States alliance." 

Mayor Moon and his fellow civic leaders had the chance to discuss development and growth for Kunsan AB with General Wood, Colonel Brown and other leaders of 7th Air Force. 

"I am very confident and appreciative of (7th Air Force's) great amount of love for Gunsan," Mayor Moon said. "I will be sure to relay that to our citizens." 

Both civic and military leaders promised to continue this relationship to keep the alliance between the United States and the South of Korea strong. 

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page