Oil Cleanup

Taean, Republic of Korea -- United States Air Force Airmen from Osan Air Base walk along the beach in Taean City Thursday at the landing site of December's major crude oil spill. Hundreds of American military personnel have joined the hordes of volunteers along local coastlines who are assisting with the clean-up effort. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer)

Oil Cleanup

Taean, Republic of Korea -- United States Air Force Airmen from Osan Air Base work side by side with hundreds of Koreans Thursday to clean oil-stained rocks on the beach near Taean City. After the largest crude oil spill in the history of the region, hundreds of American military personnel have joined the hordes of volunteers along local coastlines who are assisting with the clean-up effort. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer)

Oil Cleanup

Taean, Republic of Korea -- A Korean and an Airman from Osan Air Base clean oil-stained rocks Thursday on the beach near Taean City after the worst oil spill in South Korean history. Hundreds of American military personnel have joined the hordes of volunteers along local coastlines who are assisting with the clean-up effort. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer)

Oil Cleanup

Taean, Republic of Korea -- Tech Sgt. Brian Gregaitis, from Osan Air Base's 51st Civil Engineering Squadron, cleans oil-stained rocks Thursday on the beach near Taean City after the worst crude oil spill in Korean history. Tech Sgt. Gregaitis is one of 90 volunteers from Osan Air Base. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer)

Team Osan assists in oil spill clean up

Published Jan. 7, 2008
By Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TAEAN, Republic of Korea -- More than 90 members of Team Osan joined the clean-up effort in Taean, Republic of Korea, Jan. 3 after the country's worst oil spill in history.

An estimated 10,500 tons of crude oil leaked out of an oil tanker after colliding with a floating barge Dec. 7.

Gen. B.B. Bell, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, authorized servicemembers to assist with the clean up. Soon after, military personnel from across the peninsula began helping their host nation bring the coastline back to health.

"I felt it was important to help considering the magnitude of the impact this oil spill has had on the locals' livelihood," said Master Sgt. Frank Bermudez, who works with the 51st Civil Engineering Squadron at Osan. "When tragedy hits we must respond decisively, especially when it happens to our friends."

The city of Taean revolves around the beach. An estimated 2.2 million tourists come to the city every year to enjoy the ocean and seafood, both of which have now been tainted for the upcoming summer.

"For many, this was their livelihood, given the tourist attraction that it is," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Gregaitis, who also works with the 51st CES. "The Taean area was picturesque, and I was proud to be a part of restoring this country's beauty."

Lt. Gen. Stephen Wood, 7th Air Force commander made a surprise appearance before the volunteers took the bus to Taean.

"I have never been more honored in my life," said General Wood. "You all are representing the entire base out there. I know you will make us proud."

Although it may take a long time for the beach and marine life to fully recover, the process will be that much quicker through the joint efforts of the Republic of Korea and U.S. servicemembers.