Kunsan welcomes new 8th OG Commander

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  • By 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Staff
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Walker accepted command of the 8th Operations Group from Col. John Bosone during a change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 5, 2018.

Col. John Bosone, 8th Fighter Wing commander, presided over the ceremony, and took the opportunity to welcome Walker as the new “Viper” and underscore the accomplishments of the 8th OG Airmen under the previous commander, Col. Kristopher Struve.

“In the last year, Col. Struve has built upon our heritage during a turbulent time on the Peninsula,” said Bosone. “[Struve] led this group to unprecedented levels of readiness.”

Bosone presented Struve with the Legion of Merit, and afterwards, Struve expressed his gratitude toward the Wolf Pack for their dedication and commitment to the mission.

“It’s been an honor to serve with you, for you, and by your side at this historic wing,” said Struve. “The heritage of this wing is unmatched, everyone before us has earned, and continues to earn, their place at the Wolf Pack and you certainly did not disappoint this past year.”

The 8th OG is responsible for conducting airfield and air operations in support of the Korean theater of operations, flight scheduling, and ensuring the operational readiness of two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons stationed at Kunsan. The OG is comprised of the 35th Fighter Squadron, 80th FS and the 8th Operations Support Squadron.

“The men and women here are at the tip of the spear, your effort is invaluable in putting combat power into the air,” said Walker. “I look forward to working with each and every one of you during this historic time.”

Walker comes to the 8th FW from the Inspector General team at Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii, where he was Chief of the Inspections Division.

“[Walker] is a supremely capable and combat tested leader,” said Bosone. “I challenge you to build upon Col. Struve’s successes as you take the 8th Operations Group to new heights.”