U.S. Ambassador to Korea visits the Wolf Pack

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The U.S. Ambassador to Korea, Kathleen Stephens, visited the Wolf Pack Oct. 30 for the first time for an orientation flight in an F-16 Fighting Falcon, and to meet the Airmen here.

The visit, which is the first since Ambassador Stephens took office in 2008, gave the Ambassador a chance to get to know the men and women of the Wolf Pack.

"I think that the (Wolf Pack) spirit is just incredible," said Ambassador Stephens. "I actually first met the Wolf Pack at the Air Force Ball in Seoul. It was clear that this was a group with spirit. In the big ballroom filled with a thousand people, every time someone said 'Wolf Pack' one corner of the ballroom erupted. I was excited about seeing the Wolf Pack in their home territory and I have not been disappointed."

Ambassador Stephens was able to get a bird's eye view of Kunsan and the surrounding areas during her orientation flight in a Wolf Pack F-16 Fighting Falcon.

"Wow, it was beyond words," said Ambassador Stephens, when asked about her orientation flight. "It was absolutely beautiful. The aircraft, seeing Korea from the clouds, the whole experience exceeded my expectations. It's even better than it looks in the movies. It really gave me a hands-on appreciation to what a team effort this is, both team effort and individual excellence. I had a lot of fun and I took away from it a fresh appreciation for what everyone here at Kunsan does."

After her flight, Ambassador Stephens met with Airmen during lunch and then again at an all-Airmen's Call at the base theater. While there she spoke about the Airmen of the Wolf Pack and how they fit into her mission as the U.S. Ambassador to Korea.

"First, I think the people I met today, the Airmen here, everyone here, are practicing diplomacy in Korea every day," said Ambassador Stephens. "Of course what that means is learning something about Korea, listening to what Koreans have to say and understanding that sometimes it can be very challenging to be in a foreign country with a different culture and different language."

The Ambassador also added if Wolf Pack members do their best to tell their (Korean neighbors) about the best of the American Nation and Culture and then take the time to learn something about Korea and its culture that's one way to practice diplomacy.

After speaking about her mission, Ambassador Stephens brought up the 11 words all Wolf Pack members know, the 8th Fighter Wing mission statement: Defend the base, accept follow-on forces, and take the fight North.

"I was reading a little bit about the wing here and the history about the U.S. Air Force in Korea," commented Ambassador Stephens. "I learned that just one day after North Korea invaded the South on June 25, 1950, the 8th Fighter Wing [then the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group] was in action in Korea, helping to evacuate civilians from Korea. Then on June 27, the 8th scored its first aerial victory over North Korean forces.

"I mean what an amazing history. I think those 11 words speak to what you have done since then in helping to provide the defense shield that has allowed Korea to prosper economically, to blossom into a thriving democracy and to become such an important partner to the United States. I cannot do my work here without you all working every day to fulfill that mission and I thank you every day."

Before departing Kunsan, Ambassador Stephens had a few words for the members of the Wolf Pack.

"First, the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea is very important to the American people and to our security," said Ambassador Stephens. "Secondly, I want everyone here to know how much I appreciate what each and every one of you do each day. I know it's done many times with great sacrifice, with some hardship, but I hope it is also done with a sense of accomplishment and contribution. I want to thank everyone for what they do."