South Korean President Visits Osan AB

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Paul Kilgallon
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  South Korean President Lee, Myung-Bak and members of his cabinet visited with Korean Military and U.S. military members, during a visit here June 6.

Accompanying President Lee during his visit was the Korean Minister of National Defense, the Korean chief of the joint chiefs of staff, the Korean Defense Committee chief and the Korean deputy chief of the National Assembly.

Upon the president's arrival at Osan, he was welcomed by Gen. Walter Sharp, United States Forces Korea commander and Col. Thomas Deale, 51st Fighter Wing commander.

"Team Osan is proud and thankful for the chance to visit with the President of the Republic of Korea," said Colonel Deale. "The ROK-US team at Osan represents the best of our two nations, and together we stand ready to fight and win tonight. We are honored that the President took time to witness the partnership we share with our host country."

During the president's visit, he had a tour of the base and he also visited the Korean Air Operations Center which is the hub for all air power operations on the peninsula.

The president also got a chance to see a static display of an U.S. U2 aircraft and a Korean F4, KF16 and a F15K which were flown in for the president's visit.

In commemoration of the Korean Memorial Day, President Lee commented and praised the Republic of Korea and U.S. defending the Korean national airspace.

"The situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula has become more stressed of late," said President Lee. "I beg you to keep our citizens safe and productive in their workplaces by keeping up the perfect battle readiness posture."