KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- There's a new wolf in town. Col. Todd Dozier assumed the title of "Wolf" and command of the 8th Fighter Wing today in a ceremony on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
The change of command included a packed house of Airmen and Soldiers from the wing, local elected and business leaders, and Republic of Korea Army and Air Force service members. Seventh Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy presided over the event.
“The 8th Fighter Wing boasts a rich and distinguished history and is unmatched by any other fighter wing in our Air Force,” O’Shaughnessy said. “You represent the absolute best of what our Air Force has to offer.”
Dozier comes to Kunsan after serving as the 12th Air Force director of operations at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. He expressed his enthusiasm for his second assignment on the Korean Peninsula. His previous assignment in the Republic of Korea was at Osan Air Base.
“It is truly an awe-inspiring experience to stand here today as a member of the Wolf Pack,” Dozier said. "The history and reputation of the 8th FW speaks for itself, and I can't overstate the pride I feel to be part of that tradition."
Before relinquishing command to Dozier, Wolf 55 and outgoing 8th FW commander, Col. Jeremy Sloane, saluted the Wolf Pack one last time after reflecting on his time with the Wolf Pack.
“The 8th Fighter Wing gets the mission done like no other wing in our Air Force,” Sloane said. "I am so proud of how the Wolf Pack has performed. More importantly, I'm proud of how the Wolf Pack leaves its mark. The Wolf Pack is an institution in the Air Force because it leaves its mark on the Air Force."
Dozier echoed Sloane’s confidence in the Wolf Pack's ability to uphold its mission capabilities.
“Over the last few months, I've crossed paths with many Airmen who have served in the Wolf Pack, and some of the less fortunate, who have not,” Dozier said. "Through those interactions, I've been reminded that your service here and our mission is world renown. I'm humbled to serve with you and lead you in this endeavor."
Dozier, describing the Wolf Pack as a well-oiled machine, followed by adding, “As we reflect upon our history, I'd like to remind all of us that you are also making history every day. I have no doubt that our successors 10, 30, 50 years from now will look back on your accomplishments and feel the same pride and honor that we feel today.”