Gunsan leaders gain insight on 7th Air Force mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Steven R. Doty
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Civic leaders from Gunsan City received a firsthand look yesterday at how the United States and Republic of Korea Air Forces are working together to maintain peace and stability in the region. 

The 8th Fighter Wing hosted 15 leaders from the local community including Gunsan City Mayor Dong Shin Moon for a day-trip to Osan Air Base home to 7th Air Force Headquarters. The trip included a 7th Air Force mission brief, tour of the Korean Air and Space Operations Center, lunch and a tour of A-10 and U-2 aircraft. 

Colonel CQ "Wolf" Brown, 8th Fighter Wing commander, escorted the leaders to Osan with the intention of educating them on the relationship between Kunsan Air Base and 7th Air Force. 

"This tour gave our Gunsan civic leaders a better appreciation of our relationship with our Republic of Korea allies," Col. Brown said. "By visiting our headquarters, they were also given the opportunity to see how the 8th Fighter Wing fits into the bigger picture in the defense of Korea." 

The tour included insight on peacetime and wartime operations and a look at the ROK and U.S. Air Forces capabilities. Leaders also learned about the cooperation between the two Air Forces. 

Lt. Gen. Stephen Wood, 7th Air Force commander, told the civic leaders he believes that it is the dedication and involvement from communities like Gunsan City that make the mission a success across the Peninsula. 

"I can't think of any other citizenry that wants to support their base more than the Gunsan City community." General Wood said. 

General Wood expressed how his relationship with the people of Korea goes back to when he was stationed at Kunsan Air Base as the 8th Operations Group commander nearly 12 years ago, and how that has allowed the United States Air Force to grow and develop here. He also emphasized the importance and need for future leaders and Airmen to continue this strong bond. 

He closed by telling the civic leaders, "We're always happy to host the Gunsan civic leaders at 7th Air Force and we value every chance we have to continue our already strong friendship and alliance."

Mayor Moon was also enthusiastic to witness the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea, but more importantly, to preview the future relationship of the two countries. 

"This is the first time visiting Osan for most of my congregation," said Mayor Moon. "We are leaving here with a cultivated trust and faith in the Republic of Korea and United States alliance." 

Mayor Moon and his fellow leaders had the chance to discuss development and growth for Kunsan Air Base with General Wood, Colonel Brown and other leaders of 7th Air Force. All parties believe each of them can help and that this stronger relationship with 7th Air Force allows more advancement to become a reality. 

"I am very confident and appreciative of (7th Air Force's) great amount of love for Gunsan," Mayor Moon exclaimed. "I will be sure to relay that to our citizens." 

All participants, both civic and military leaders, have promised to continue this relationship long into the future in order to keep the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea strong.