Kunsan reflects on past, ready for future -- A look at 2011

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The year 2011 brought about much change and progress for the Wolf Pack.

Most notably, in May and throughout the spring, a new wing leadership team took the helm after the previous command lead the wing to an "Excellent" overall rating during the year's operational readiness inspection.

This set the Wolf Pack up for success after several more quarterly and peninsula-wide operational readiness exercises in preparation for the 2012 dual-ORI and unit compliance inspection that will be known as a combined unit inspection.

Other notable achievements include updating and upgrading the bowling alley, constructing a new running track, completing new maintenance facilities, being host to numerous distinguished visitors and music artists, the demolition of more than two condemned dormitories, beating out rival Osan Air Base at the annual sports day and accomplishing many wing warrior runs in the hunt for physical fitness.

Keeping in step with long-standing Wolf Pack traditions, Kunsan also performed above the mark by hosting several joint and bilateral training exercises, pausing and reflecting on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, supporting both operations Tomodachi in Japan and Pacific Angel in Cambodia, cycling more than 100 miles for cancer awareness, completing two Marine combat fitness tests, successfully hosting more than 100,000 Korean nationals for the biennial air show and spreading Christmas cheer to orphans and the elderly of Gunsan City.

In May, at his assumption of command, Col. Scott Pleus, 8th Fighter Wing commander, had this to say as he began his tenure as Kunsan's "Wolf":

"What we do at Kunsan is very important," Pleus said. "I wholeheartedly believe Kunsan is the best assignment you can get in our Air Force and I can't wait to get started!"

The then new commander explained how the Wolf Pack was to accomplish all the milestones it had in its path and how these accomplishments would prepare Kunsan for whatever 2012 and beyond has in store.

"We'll do this by focusing on professionalism, caring for our great Airmen, being the best stewards of our resources and planning for the future."

To view a photo slideshow from the past year, click here or the link to the right.