Wolf Pack is 'Excellent'

Colonel Jerry D. Harris, 8th Fighter Wing commander, shows his excitement upon hearing the Wing's Excellent grade during the Pacific Air Forces Operational Readiness Inspection out-brief at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 28, 2009. The PACAF Inspector General's staff conducted the ORI out-brief to present the results gathered from the April 19-24 inspection.(Photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)

Wolf Pack is 'Excellent'

The Wolf Pack comes together for the long awaited Pacific Air Forces Operational Readiness Inspection out-brief at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 28, 2009. The PACAF Inspector General's staff conducted the ORI out-brief to present the results gathered from the April 19-24 inspection. (Photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)

Wolf Pack is 'Excellent'

Airmen of the 8th Fighter Wing express their excitement for the Pacific Air Forces Operational Readiness Inspection grade during the ORI out-brief at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 28, 2009. The PACAF Inspector General's staff conducted the ORI out-brief to present the results gathered from the April 19-24 inspection. (Photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)

PACAF completes inspection of Wolf Pack

Published April 27, 2009
By Col. Jerry D. Harris, Jr.
8th Fighter Wing commander

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Wolf Pack, you impressed me this week!

More importantly, I hope you impressed yourself. You showcased our Wolf Pack resolve and tenacity to more than 100 inspectors here who tested and evaluated our wartime capabilities, while maintaining a warfighting posture and a positive attitude.

Whether you were helping to Defend the Base, working to Accept Follow-on Forces, or enabling us to Take the Fight North (Huah, Bring it, Wolf Pack), your hard work and dedication to duty was clearly noted by Wolf Pack leaders and visiting inspectors. The success of this Operational Readiness Inspection is due to the determination and drive of each of you.

I'll underscore our senior Department of Defense leaders by mentioning that even in our environment, military superiority and freedom of action cannot be taken for granted. This week we've integrated and operated with our Republic of Korea counterparts and agencies, along with continuing to improve, enhance and adjust our war plans to meet the objectives ahead of us.

Although our unit ceased true combat operations in August 1973, you've showcased this week that we are ready, at moment's notice, to take the fight to enemy. Do not take this accomplishment lightly, as our presence here today continues due to an alliance that has been in place for more than 50 years and is encompassed in the ROK-US coined phrase "we go together." The alliance of this organization and the legacy of our unit is one that is tied to valor and excellence in Airmanship.

As we look forward to the rest of our time here at Kunsan, future assignments, promotions and opportunities; we together as a family can forever remember this week as a mighty challenge that was conquered together.

I urge of each of you to take time and reflect on this week. Look at all the things that you and your teammates have accomplished, because each of you plays a vital role in the execution of our wing's mission. I also want you to take some personal time to rest and relax. We've been training for many months now and you deserve it.

I'll close by stating that the 8th Fighter Wing stands a bit taller today, because we stand on your shoulders. Teamwork is what brought us through this challenge and we are ready. You did more and simulated less, setting new standards that others will measure themselves against for the foreseeable future and have earned a well deserved "well done" from the Wolf.