KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody met with Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing during his second visit to Kunsan July 2 and 3 to see first-hand how the Wolf Pack trains to defend the base, accept follow-on forces and take the fight north.
Chief Cody started out his visit meeting with Airmen and learning about the 8th FW operational plan for combat airpower employment followed by a base defense demonstration provided by the 8th Security Forces Squadron.
“Kunsan has an extremely critical mission that Airmen need to be ready for every day,” Cody said. “We have been in progress with our Korean brethren for several decades and this base significantly lends itself to global stability. We have a strong partnership with the Koreans and the peninsula to help ensure the armistice stays in place; we have an unending commitment to that.”
After Chief Cody had the opportunity to learn how the Wolf Pack contributes to deterring aggression on the Korean Peninsula, Cody discussed major changes impacting the total force during an All Call. Chief Cody also had the opportunity to discuss, at the tactical and strategic level, key issues and initiatives with 8th FW leadership.
“I believe this idea of service in our Air Force is a family business - we are an Air Force family,” Cody said. “We have a connection with each other unlike probably any other profession, and it’s really at an elevated level of that when you come to a place like Kunsan.”
During his tour of the Wolf Pack family, Cody also had the opportunity to meet with 8th Maintenance Group Airmen who maintain Kunsan’s F-16 Fighting Falcons, the 8th Communications Squadron who support armistice and contingency operations, the 8th Operations Support Squadron’s aircrew equipment life support and collective protection systems capabilities and the Kunsan Sexual Assault Theater Group, who promote awareness and prevention by demonstrating realistic scenarios.
“It’s always amazing to see how dedicated, professional and committed [Airmen] are to what it is they do in this profession of arms and that wasn’t lost on me or anybody that I interacted with here at Kunsan,” Cody said. “This fight tonight mentality is alive; it’s real and it’s felt everywhere.”
Lastly, Cody had the opportunity to socialize with Airmen of all ranks at a junior-enlisted Airmen lunch to hear about their concerns and issues that impact Kunsan as well as an informal pre-Fourth of July mixer with first sergeants and chief master sergeants.
“My favorite part of what I do is that I get to spend time with Airmen - to look them in the eye and thank them for what they do every day,” Cody said.
