'Excellent' rating for Wolf Pack

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Hines
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 8th Fighter Wing received an "Excellent" rating after nearly a month of review by Pacific Air Forces Inspector General team members in the base's first Consolidated Unit Inspection Phase Zero plus Operational Readiness Exercise.

The rating comes with great pride as the Wolf Pack continues its day-to-day mission knowing it is a part of PACAF history according to Major Brett Rurka, 8th Fighter Wing Inspector General.

"We set the standard," said Rurka, commenting on the work of both Kunsan and Osan Air Base, the first PACAF units to complete a CUI Plus under the revised inspection system.

Beginning on April 6 and continuing through April 30, the Wolf Pack performed eight separate higher headquarters inspections, an emergency management exercise and a four-day operational readiness exercise.

"The Wolf Pack did what we are known for...produce combat capability," said Col. Scott L. Pleus, 8th Fighter Wing commander. "Everyone who is a part of the 8th Fighter Wing...our Airmen, civilians, contractors and our great Korean employees had a hand in this success; and I couldn't be more proud of the entire Wolf Pack."

Pleus continued by saying that the Wolf Pack's "Excellent" score meant more than just succeeding in the eyes of the inspectors.

"This inspection didn't just prepare us for the IG team - it made us better and showcases our resolve and commitment to our Korean allies," Pleus said.

Inspectors identified and coined individual Airmen and civilians across the base who displayed exceptional performance and knowledge in their jobs. Six Airmen were identified as "Top Performers" and were presented with certificates of recognition and an IG coin following the official rating announcement.

The Top Performers of the 8th FW CUI are:
  • Capt. Randy B. Kinsey, 8th FW chief of inspection
  • Capt. Oliver Lause, 80th Fighter Squadron
  • 1st Lt. Christina M. Kulp, 8th FW plans and programs
  • Tech. Sgt. Amanda O'Brien, 8th Medical Group
  • Staff Sgt. Linda S. Hogan, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron
  • Senior Airman Justin R. Gordon, 8th Operations Support Squadron
"We've worked hard preparing for these inspections, but the thing I'm most proud of is the way we partnered with the Mustangs, at Osan, in the months leading up to this," said Rurka. "We made history over the past year and the legacy we leave for the next class is something we should all be very proud of."

On May 4, Airmen and civilians will enjoy some much-deserved down time as the base hosts a CUI Block Party to celebrate the end of the inspection, beginning with a Warrior Run formation down the flightline.

"Grades are just that ... Grades," said Pleus. "More importantly, we are more combat-capable today and these results confirm our ability to Defend the Base, Accept Follow-on Forces and Take the Fight North!"

WOLF PACK