Kunsan officials hold environmental orientation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) --  Kunsan Air Base officials hosted 30 Gunsan City, South Korea, officials here Aug. 29 in an effort to inform and educate them on the base mission and environmental practices. 

City officials from Gunsan City were handpicked by the mayor to attend the orientation where they were briefed on the 8th Fighter Wing's mission and its environmental preventative measures. 

"As civil servants to Gunsan City, it's very important for us to learn Kunsan's mission and what they do to prevent oil spills," said Moon Phil-Hwan, foreign affairs section chief for Gunsan City Hall. "After receiving this tour, we can all go back and educate Gunsan community members." 

The officials received a mission brief and toured the base's fuels facility and sanitary sewer lift station. While on base, they also were given the opportunity to view an F-16 Fighting Falcon static display and toured the base fitness center. 

"It's important that we better educate our local community members on what goes on here at the base," said Rosemary Song, the 8th FW Public Affairs community relations chief. "When local city leaders and officials stay informed, it prevents from them making assumptions that may not be true and they can keep their community informed if any questions arise." 

Mr. Moon said he was most surprised on how clean the fuels area was. 

"I expected it to be dirty since it's a fuel storage area," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised at all the preventative measures the base has for oil clean-up." 

The orientation is another Good Neighbor program initiative. This is another way the base gives back to the Gunsan City community for their support in the 8th FW members bi-monthly newcomers' orientations to the local community, Ms. Song said. 

It's important for the base to continue an active role with the local Korean community because it strengthens the South Korean and U.S. alliance, said Col. CQ Brown, the 8th FW commander. 

"Events like today help us to be able to explain the 8th Fighter Wing's mission as well as address concerns local citizens may have," Colonel Brown said.  Base members "always ensure our mission is accomplished, while taking the necessary steps to ensure we're being good stewards of the environment." 

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