Wolf Pack welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Claudette Hutchinson
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 8th Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony here May 28.

Col. John L. Dolan assumed command from Col. Robert P. Givens.

Prior to assuming command of the 8th FW, Colonel Dolan served as the chief Senate legislation liaison with the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force headquartered in Washington D.C.

Colonel Dolan will be the 50th Wolf. However, this is not the new commander's first time here at Kunsan. He served as the 8th FW chief of safety, Inspector General from July 1999 to June 2000.

During the ceremony Colonel Dolan commented to Wolf Pack members, Republic of Korea counterparts and honored guests about his previous tour at the Wolf Pack as well as what it means to be back as the commander at a wing with such an important and unique mission.

"I stand before you humbled and honored. It is great to come back after 10 years," said Colonel Dolan. "Next to combat, there is no other wing today that has such a defined mission as the mission here at the Wolf Pack - to Defend the Base, Accept Follow on Forces, Take the Fight North."

The ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Michael A. Keltz, vice commander, 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea and Chief of Staff, Air Component Command at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

"Kunsan is getting the best [with Colonel Dolan]," said General Keltz.

In his remarks the General also emphasized the importance of good leadership. He said leaders should always ask themselves, "What have I done to improve myself as a better leader, to lead our Airmen into combat."

In his final remarks to the Wolf Pack, Colonel Givens thanked everyone for their support, leadership, hard work and professionalism in accomplishing the mission. He credits is success during his tenure to the support he received from everyone, from the local Gunsan City community to everyone on the base.

"These are the human elements that make up the 8th Fighter Wing," said Colonel Givens. "It's a wing that is supported by the local community. It's a wing that continues to generate sorties regardless of any challenges. It's a wing where unit and base personnel always support each other. It's a wing that understands value of morale and cohesion. In this audience I see future Wolfs and Wolf IIs. Thank you."