OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- Swedish and Swiss representatives of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission visited the 607th Air and Space Operations Center here Aug. 24 as part of an observation tour.

The visit included a tour of the Hardened Theater Air Control Center and a meeting with Air Component Command leadership to discuss regional issues, the 7th Air Force's mission and observe the annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise.

“The observers from the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission play a vital role in ensuring all parties observe the stipulations of the armistice which governs our relationship with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea,” said Col. Christopher D. Cotts, Headquarters 7th Air Force chief of staff. “By maintaining an independent stance, not aligned with any of the major actors in the region, our observers can be counted on to provide accurate, timely, and unbiased views on our armistice performance.”

The NNSC representatives, Swedish Maj. Gen. Mats Engman and Swiss Lt. Col. Christian Guillaume, visited to observe Republic of Korea-U.S. interactions, meet with 7th AF leadership, review operational briefs and monitor joint operations throughout the AOC.

Four other sending states nations joined the Republic of Korea and 7th AF in conducting UFG 15 to ensure readiness to defend the Southern Korean Peninsula and strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance, to include: Australia, Canada, Denmark and the United Kingdom,.

The NNSC was established July 27, 1953, by the United Nations when the Korean War came to an Armistice. Their contribution in observing and evaluating exercises helps to ensure that planning and operations are conducted with a "defensive and deterrent" nature.

“Seventh Air Force is prepared to accommodate visits from the NNSC at all times, including during major exercises,” Cotts said. This is important, since it guarantees that the NNSC has the access required to verify armistice compliance. Transparency is absolutely key in assuring the international community that the United States stands by the commitments we make to all nations, friend and foe alike.”

Neutral nations, such as Sweden and Switzerland, are deemed neutral nations because their combatant forces have not been involved in the hostilities in the Koreas. The primary role of the NNSC today is to maintain relationships with both the north and the south and facilitate open channels of communication between them.

“I think the NNSC visit helps educate those unfamiliar with their presence,” said Capt. Sarah Gates, 7th AF Vice Commander’s executive officer. “Through monitoring the armistice, it gives peace of mind knowing we have a checks and balance system in place.”