KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The Wolf Pack welcomed Col. Tad Clark as the new 8th Fighter Wing commander during a change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 31.

Lt. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, Seventh Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, welcoming Clark as the newest Wolf Pack commander. Wilsbach also thanked Col. John Bosone, the outgoing commander, for his exceptional leadership and guidance to 8 FW Airmen throughout the last year.

“Over the last year, Col. Bosone has done a fantastic job leading this wing,” said Wilsbach. “He challenged the men and women of the Wolf Pack to always be prepared during this historic time and the challenge was met with awesome increases to the 8th’s readiness and lethality. I am extremely proud of the Wolf Pack. You have proudly continued the 8th FW’s legacy of superb Airmanship under the leadership of Wolf 58, Col. Bosone, and Wolf Chief 21, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Moore.”

Bosone was presented the Legion of Merit medal and the Republic of Korea National Security Merit medal. Bosone expressed his gratitude and admiration for the Wolf Pack and their unfaltering dedication and commitment to the 8th FW mission.

“To the Wolf Pack, we’ve been tested and together we have found success,” said Bosone. “Our ability to execute the mission, to be resilient and to learn from our mistakes and to grow, is unmatched. In the past year, we have executed the mission with discipline and precision and we have executed the mission with professionalism. Thank you all for your service to our country. Be ready, be lethal and may God have mercy on the Wolf Pack’s prey.”

Bosone gave his final salute to the Wolf Pack before relinquishing command to Clark.

Clark comes to Kunsan after serving as vice commander of the 52nd FW, better known as ‘Saber Nation,’ at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Clark is a command pilot and F-16 Fighting Falcon instructor pilot with over 3,300 flying hours in the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon and F-16. He flew 118 missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with multiple expeditionary fighter squadrons, to include the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, culminating in more than 600 combat hours in the F-16.

As Wolf 59, Clark is responsible for more than 2,700 active-duty personnel, four groups and 13 squadrons, including two F-16 fighter squadrons tasked with supporting Seventh Air Force operational readiness. This is Clark’s second tour at Kunsan; his first was from 2002 to 2003 as the 35th Fighter Squadron chief of life support and chief of safety.

“Lt. Gen. Wilsbach, thank you for entrusting me with the tremendous responsibility and privilege to lead the 8th FW Wolf Pack,” said Clark. “We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Republic of Korea Air Force partners and remain razor sharp and vigilant in the conduct and execution of our mission.”