Korean air force weather commander visits Offutt

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The Republic of Korea Air Force Weather Wing commander visited the 557th Weather Wing Oct. 14.

This was Col. Jong Mo Kim's first visit since taking command and also the first visit from the ROKAF since the changeover from the Air Force Weather Agency to the 557th WW.

"It is my honor to be here," said Kim.

But it wasn't the only purpose for the trip.

"First, and most importantly, we want to continue to strengthen the already strong alliance we have between the U.S. Air Force and ROKAF weather," said Lt. Col. James Weaver, 2nd Weather Group deputy commander. "We work and collaborate daily with our ROKAF weather allies and the relationship also translates to the respective weather wings.  We have clear strategic guidance from the Department of Defense and USAF leadership to enhance the relationship and interoperability with our international allies and partners, and the Republic of Korea is one of our critical allies." 

During his time at the 557th WW, Col. Kim met with wing leadership.

"Welcome to the Air Force's newest wing," said Col. William Carle, 557th WW commander. "On behalf of the men and women of the 557th WW, I would like to say we are very proud to have you here. Our friendship is very important to us."

He also toured the facility, was briefed on operations, and was provided with updates on current initiatives. They also had the opportunity to discuss new initiatives for improving the collaboration and interoperability between the two forces. 

Kim was particularly interested in the wing's space operations, which focuses on the sun's emissions and provides mission-tailored analyses, forecasts and warnings.  He said the ROKAF hopes to have similar operations up and running within the next few years.

Currently, the ROKAF Weather Wing works closely with Air Force weather members at the 607th Weather Squadron, which is responsible for providing forecasts at four locations across the Republic of Korea.

Overall, the visit was a success for both parties.

"I have been serving for more than 30 years," said Kim. "But, I still enjoy making these visits because I get to take back new ideas."

Members of 557th WW are scheduled to make a visit to see the ROKAF Weather Wing in the near future.