USFK commander: The Wolf Pack is ready to Fight Tonight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea visited the 8th Fighter Wing for the first time and talked to its members about their importance here on the peninsula Jan. 9.

Throughout his visit, Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti had the opportunity to personally see how Kunsan Airmen contribute to deterring aggression on the Korean Peninsula, help maintain the ROK-U.S. Alliance and defend the ROK.

"The Airmen here at Kunsan are an essential part of sustaining and strengthening the Alliance," said Gen. Scaparrotti. "Their hard work and dedication is just one of the reasons why the ROK-U.S. Alliance has been so successful throughout the past 60 years."

After Gen. Scaparrotti coined Airmen for their outstanding contributions to the Wolf Pack mission, he briefed Airmen on the importance of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.

The briefing served as an open dialogue to discuss what Gen. Scaparrotti stated is a culture problem, one that needs to be addressed on all levels. He iterated that everyone is responsible for attacking the problem head-on, and that we don't need passive leaders and bystanders.

Following the brief, Gen. Scaparrotti watched the Kunsan Sexual Assault Theater Group perform a skit using scenario-based presentations. The SATG is comprised of volunteers whose goal is to educate Airmen on sexual assault prevention.

"It was a great experience having the chance to perform for the USFK commander, all the while getting the message out concerning SAPR," said Senior Airman Shelby May, 8th Maintenance Squadron avionics team member and Kunsan SATG actress. "By putting on these skits, we make these scenarios seem real to people, so it gives them a chance to see how things can really be. It really opens the audience's eyes and makes them feel sympathy for those affected. The general seemed impressed by what he saw, and I'm glad we had the opportunity to perform for him."

The next stop on his tour was to the base's first line of defense at the main gate with Wolf Pack defenders. While there, entry controllers briefed the general on security protocols, including the specific procedures for preventing unlawful entry onto the base.

His final stop was to a hardened aircraft shelter, where pilots and maintainers showcased how they keep Wolf Pack jets flying, ensuring protection over the peninsula and its people.

Overall, Gen. Scaparrotti stated he was pleased to see how the Wolf Pack is dedicated to fighting its mission while taking care of its Airmen.

"I've been impressed with the Wolf Pack even before I arrived here," he said. "I'm even more impressed now that I've seen them in person. I'm very confident that each Airman here is ready to fight tonight."