Future officers visit Kunsan

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Roy Lynch
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  United States Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets visited the Wolf Pack for their Operation Air Force program June 2-17.

The Ops AF program is a three-week summer program that exposes cadets to real-world Air Force bases to enhance their decision-making ability in career field choices.

"The Ops AF program is a unique opportunity to check out the real U.S. Air Force," said Cadet John Bellomo, Air Force ROTC.

Cadets are challenged during this time to develop skills and gain knowledge and responsibility necessary for a smooth transition from a military academy to the active Air Force. They do this by visiting with different units on base to learn about their jobs, such as security forces, fire fighters, maintenance, medical, communication and pilots.

"I appreciate being able to see the various jobs that make the U.S. Air Force run efficiently," Cadet Bellomo said.

Cadets also had an opportunity to visit with Col. Jae Hun Choi, 38th Fighter Group commander, and take a tour of the Republic of Korea Air Force facilities during their stay at the Wolf Pack. Some places the cadets visited were the operational and mission planning offices, alert room and a close up view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

"It is good for U.S. cadets to visit our community," said Capt. Ho Shik Jang, 38th Fighter Group chief of protocol. "If they return to Kunsan Air Base as officers, they will already have a better understanding of the ROK."

This course is a graduation requirement for Air Force Academy cadets and is given to rising second class cadets. Air Force ROTC participants may take the course while they are rising sophomores.

Cadet Ronald Marongelli, Air Force ROTC, especially enjoyed visiting an overseas base.

"The Ops AF at Kunsan is different than stateside bases," Cadet Marongelli said. "Here you are ready to fight."