Korean air force weather commander visits AFWA

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The Republic of Korea Air Force Weather Wing commander visited the Air Force Weather Agency on Nov. 12.

ROKAF Col. Chang Hoon Lee toured the headquarters facility, received multiples briefings and worked with AFWA's leadership on identifying areas for cooperation and exchange that would build on the existing strong relationship between the two longtime allies.

"I've been to the United States now five times and I can say that I've never felt this welcome before," Lee said. "I am grateful for your hospitality."

"It was such an honor to have Col. Lee here with us," said U.S. Air Force Col. Louis Zuccarello, AFWA commander. "We're proud of our working relationship with the ROKAF and look forward to it continuing for years to come."

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.

"The U.S. Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force work very well together and visits like this help us to maintain that relationship," Lee said.

Lee was particularly interested in AFWA's Air Force Weather Web Services briefing, which focused on incorporating forecaster products into a digital database that feeds weather information directly to command and control systems, pilots and decision makers.

"I was so impressed by AFWA's presentation," he said. "They do some incredible work here and provide a tremendous amount of data to their forecasters."

During his visit to Offutt, Lee also received a mission brief on the U.S. Strategic Command's Meteorological and Oceanographic division and met with U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander, who is the installation commander.

"The wing commander provided such a warm welcome and I greatly appreciated that," Lee said. "Offutt seems like home to me. I used to be a pilot, so seeing the aircraft reminds me of my flying days."

The ROKAF colonel concluded his visit by presenting AFWA's leadership with gifts of gratitude for their warm reception.

"The friendship between the U.S. Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force is so important as we strive for peace in Southeast Asia," he said. "Our ultimate goal is to live in a peaceful environment."