U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, speaks during an all-call alongside Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, PACAF command chief, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 19, 2023. Wilsbach and Wolfe spoke to Airmen about their role defending the homeland, deterring aggression, and reinforcing allies and partners in the complex and ever-changing Indo-Pacific region through their daily activities at Osan AB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg) ()
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, PACAF command chief, and their spouses visited Osan Air Base Oct. 19.
The command team held an All-Call for the Osan community, engaged with Airmen around the base, and explored strategies to ensure Osan’s infrastructure endures the test of time, witnessing first-hand innovative solutions being developed by several squadrons. As a part of efforts to improve infrastructure, the PACAF command duo toured several facilities, speaking with Airmen to identify solutions to improve quality of life and mission execution.
“We are here in Korea to stay,” Wilsbach said. “We're committed to making Osan a place Airmen and their families want to come to. One of the key ways we get after that is by addressing infrastructure challenges and enhancing the long-term quality and sustainability of the base.”
Cindy Wilsbach, Gen. Wilsbach’s wife, and Dr. Doniel Wolfe, Chief Wolfe’s spouse, met with Osan key spouses to discuss programs that support family members living on and around the installation.
“We recognize that families are a crucial piece to our Airmen’s mental and personal well-being,” said Cindy Wilsbach. “We’ve seen team Osan implement programs to make sure families here are taken care of, so in turn, our Airmen can focus on the mission.”
Osan is initiating spousal hiring programs, rebuilding the chapel, providing job and educational opportunities, along with ensuring continuous medical care is available for both command and non-command sponsored families.
“Ensuring the personal and professional growth of our service members is not just a priority; it is a necessity,” Chief Wolfe said. “A strong sense of community and morale enhances our ability to fulfill the strategic priorities of PACAF. We prioritize mental health and emotional well- being, recognizing the unique challenges faced by our Airmen and their families stationed overseas.”
General Wilsbach also took time to recognize Osan’s top performers, presenting them with his commander coins as tokens of appreciation for their exceptional achievements.
“Without the dedicated efforts of our Airmen, the mission wouldn’t be possible,” Wilsbach said. “I want to express my gratitude to each one of them for their unwavering commitment and significant contributions.”
As the 51st FW continues its Fight Tonight mission, it stands ready as a pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The PACAF command team’s visit emphasized that importance and the ongoing efforts to provide the best support to Osan Airmen and families in the Republic of Korea.
