PACAF command chief visits Kunsan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The command chief of Pacific Air Forces visited the men and women of the 8th Fighter Wing here April 7. 

During his trip to Kunsan Air Base, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop said that with each of his visits to the base he's always impressed with what the Airmen of the Wolf Pack are doing everyday as well as the amount of unit cohesion that seems to be associated with the wing.

"I think Kunsan is one of the finest assignments. Not because of the lack of challenges or issues we have here, but I think everyone who has had the opportunity to be a class at Kunsan leaves here with a great impression that they were a part of a team and part of a family that's probably more together than any other unit we have in the United States Air Force," Chief Bishop said. "The Airmen here at Kunsan Air Base are doing amazing things each and every day not only to get the mission done, but to make things better for those who are going to come behind them." 

The chief took a tour of the base facilities and met with Airmen to addresses issues and concerns. 

One of the concerns of Wolf Pack Airmen, is quality of life issues. Chief Bishop said it was apparent during his visit that the quality of life at Kunsan was improving. He was able to see the new dormitories being built as well as the base's new fitness center and lodging construction site. Although Airmen currently stationed here may not get to benefit from all the improvements right away, Chief Bishop said leadership is making quality of life at Kunsan a top priority. 

"The quality of life is getting much better each and every day here, but I want Airmen to understand that while it may not be there for them during their tenure here, more improvements are on the way," he said. "Base leadership is fighting each and every day to get more money to make the quality of life better for those Airmen serving at Kunsan Air Base in the future." 

Also during his visit the chief got to share his leadership philosophy with base Airmen. 

"I think leadership determines the success or failure of the organization," he said. "When you see very sharp people at the top of the organization, you're going to see equally sharp people throughout the organization. Great leaders have to exceed any standard they ask their subordinates to meet." 

The chief also said he thinks great leaders support their Airmen and set the conditions for success so that Airmen can accomplish the mission. 

"I think a trait of strong leadership is to push your Airmen to give them the skills, training, motivation and commitment to be better than they think they're capable of being," he said. As they achieve new goals, it will inspire them to continue to do more." 

Chief Bishop also discussed his concerns within Pacific Air Forces. He said there are several challenges facing PACAF to include the effects of recapitalization decisions such as personnel cuts, quality of work and the bed down of new missions across the command. While discussing quality of work, Chief Bishop referred to the facilities Airmen work out of. He said leadership is working to put money back into work facilities to ensure the mission continues and he applauded Kunsan Airmen for their commitment to excellence. 

"Probably one of the biggest challenges we have in this command from a facility stand point are your maintenance facilities at Kunsan Air Base," he said. "Our great Airmen, despite the challenges they're faced with, get the mission done each and every day here. It's a testament to their willingness to succeed." 

After visiting the base and Airmen here, Chief Bishop also wanted to take the time to pass on a couple of special messages to the family members of the Airmen stationed here at Kunsan. 

"I'd like to thank them (family members) for their service. There's no Airman, Soldier, Maine or Coast Guardsman serving anywhere around the world today that is not doing it without the love, support and devotion of their family members," he said. "Whether it's their mom and dad or their spouse or their children, each and every one of us serve and are able to serve because of those who support us. Little recognition is given to our family members who serve in their own right, so I'd like to say thank you to our family members who are living around the world who are in support of our service members here at Kunsan Air Base. I also want to tell them that their Airmen here at Kunsan are doing great. They are doing incredible and they are amazing young men and women, doing great things for our Nation to ensure peace and stability of the Pacific."