GWANGJU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Barry Cornish, 18th Wing commander, visited  Gwangju Nov. 5 to inspect team Kadena's progress during exercise Vigilant Ace 16.

During his visit, Cornish spoke with the leadership of Republic of Korea Air Force's Gwangju Air Base and pilots from the 67th Fighter Squadron about mission capabilities, operations and effects of the exercise on the community.

Cadre from the 18th Wing briefed the commander about the base standup and day to day operations from bare base facilities to a fully functioning operating point. Vigilant Ace is a regularly scheduled exercise meant to increase familiarity between the ROKAF and U.S. militaries. As the 'Keystone' of the Pacific, Kadena's Airmen help ensure peace, security and stability in the Northeast Asia region.