51st FW/CC's New Year Commentary

  • Published
  • By Col. Tom Deale
  • 51st Fighter Wing commander
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Coming off of a successful holiday season, we open the New Year recharged and ready for a busy year as we hone our combat readiness, plan for tour normalization at Osan, continue to develop our Airmen, and train to make sure that we are ready to fight and win tonight. 

Next week we have our first Peninsula-wide Operational Readiness Exercise of 2009. This exercise gives Team Osan an opportunity to dig deep into our plans, processes and procedures and identify areas that need improvement. You have trained hard throughout 2008, and this is the opportunity to validate unit training. For those who are new, use this time to train and focus on your ability to respond quickly, provide top-notch mission support, and survive and operate in crisis environments. 

As you know, the Department of Defense approval of tour normalization in Korea will have a significant impact at Osan. We are in close coordination with Seventh Air Force, United States Forces Korea and Pacific Air Forces as we work out the details of the changes that will start this summer. I will make sure to communicate the changes when the details are finalized. 

As leaders, it is our responsibility to develop our Airmen through mentorship, ensuring they understand the vital role they play in the accomplishment of the mission of Osan Air Base and the Air Force. We must always remember our vision - professional Airmen, ready for combat operations and committed to making Osan an assignment of choice.
As always, the 51st Fighter Wing has a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol abuse, discrimination, harassment, and hostile-work environments. We are all here together, and this is our home. Set the example, enforce standards and hold each other accountable. Each Airman, with their military family, plays an active role in this fight, and you are outstanding at what you do. Take pride in being here, and spend your time in a manner that will allow you to look back and be proud of your accomplishments. 

The 51st Fighter Wing is committed to provide combat ready forces, to support tour normalization initiatives and to develop our Airmen. Our combined efforts are what makes this area secure for our Airmen, families and Republic of Korea citizens, and we stand steadfastly with our Korean allies, dedicated to the mission. 

Thank you for your service, commitment and efforts. I'm honored to be your commander and to serve with you.