New wolf for continued success

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Col. Scott L. Pleus assumed command of the 8th Fighter Wing from Col. John L. Dolan during a change of command ceremony in Hangar 3 here May 13.

The mission of the 8th FW is to deter North Korean aggression, and if deterrence fails, to defend the base, accept follow-on forces and take the fight north!

Prior to assuming command of the 8th FW, Colonel Pleus served as the commander of the 611th Air and Space Operations Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Following Operation BOLO during the Vietnam conflict, the 8th FW began referring to itself as the Wolf Pack and their commander as the "Wolf," with Col. Robin Olds as Wolf #1. After he accepted command, Colonel Pleus became Wolf #51.

However, this is not the new commander's first time as a member of the Wolf Pack. He served as an F-16 instructor pilot and flight examiner with the 35th Fighter Squadron from January 1996 to December 1996.

During the ceremony Colonel Pleus talked with Wolf Pack members, Republic of Korea counterparts and honored guests about his previous tour in the 8th FW, as well as what it means to be back as the commander at a wing with such a key and unique mission.

"What we do at Kunsan is very important," Colonel Pleus said. "As long as North Korea continues to demonstrate the will and ability to strike with little to no warning - each of us must know exactly how we impact this wing's mission."

The new "Wolf" congratulated the men and women of the 8th FW for their success during the recent Operational Readiness Inspection and said he was dedicated to continue the unwavering partnership with one of the best militaries in the world.

Supporting the colonel, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Remington, Deputy Commander, United Nations Command Korea; Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea; Commander, Air Component Command, Republic of Korea; U.S. Combined Forces Command; and 7th Air Force commander, said the wing has a very real combat force and will continue to deter and defend against adversaries worldwide.

"Our collective strength is what makes us a formidable force," the general said. "You have validated you're ready to take the fight north. The Wolf Pack has demonstrated unparalleled resolve and I know you will continue on your road of excellence. You are no stranger to hardwork."

"Nowhere else is the warrior spirit as alive as it is here at Kunsan," General Remington added. "Our allies know and [North Korea] knows you're always ready to take the fight north. Therefore it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome 'Wolf 51', Colonel Pleus."

One goal Colonel Pleus highlighted during the ceremony was his desire to not only maintain Kunsan's readiness level, but to enhance the Wolf Pack's overall mission capabilities. "We'll do this by focusing on professionalism, caring for our great Airmen, being the best stewards of our resources and planning for the future."

As he wrapped up his speech, Colonel Pleus said, "I wholeheartedly believe Kunsan is the best assignment you can get in our Air Force and I can't wait to get started!"

Leaving a brigadier general select, Colonel Dolan will become the Deputy Director of Legislative Liaison at the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.