Team Andersen strengthens ROK bonds with capstone visit

by Staff Sgt. Robert Hicks
36th Wing Public Affairs

2/10/2015 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  -- More than 100 Republic of Korea senior military leaders received a first-hand look at Andersen Air Force Base and other military installations on Guam during a Korean National Defense University capstone event.

The visit, supported by U.S. Pacific Command, is designed to educate newly selected generals and admirals on key issues and capabilities as well as strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance.

Split between two days on Jan. 23 and Jan. 30, the visit provided ROK flag officers a chance to view B-52 Stratofortress bombers and ask maintainers and pilots questions in order to gain a better understanding of the role Andersen Airmen play in maintaining stability in the region.

"[It was great to have the opportunity for the ROK military leaders] to see the strategic mission that is enabled by the airpower stationed at Andersen and the Naval base....which directly affects and improves the ROK and U.S. alliance and also our combined defense readiness posture," said ROK Lt. Gen. Seung Ho Wee.

ROK flag officers also met with Team Andersen leadership.

"It's an honor to have our ROK partners here," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Andrew Toth, 36th Wing commander. "Hosting this capstone tour offers military members from both our nations the opportunity to meet face-to-face, build relationships and learn more about our partners' capabilities."

The ROK leaders later noted the unique capabilities Team Andersen brings to the Pacific theater.

"I think [the tour] will have a great impact on the ROK and U.S. alliance," Wee said. "Our future leaders of Korean military, the 41 flag level officers and the officers selected to be flag level officers are here to directly witness and see for themselves the assets of the Air Force and Navy stationed on Guam."

ROK leaders also visited various sites in Hawaii before they arrived in Guam. While in Hawaii, they visited the Punchbowl National Cemetery, Pacific Warfighter Center, Pacific Aviation Museum and the Navy's USS Missouri, as well as tour Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.