U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Republic of Korea Air Force Gen. Inho Park, ROKAF Chief of Staff, visited the Academy and Korean cadets here, Aug. 27.
Park toured the Multi-Domain Laboratory, which will serve as an avenue to bolster cadets’ combat education and problem solving abilities.
“I hope strong relationships between American and South Korean cadets extends beyond their time at this institution and into future Air and Space operations,” said Park. “I’m impressed with the facilities and all that the cadets do.”
Later, he toured the astronautics and aeronautics laboratories where faculty and cadets showcased current programs and highlighted important milestones.
“I briefed Gen. Park about the history of the FalconSAT program and how the Academy started to work with NASA,” said C1C Andrew LaGassa with the Cadet Space Operations Squadron (CSOPS). I showed him the progression of our satellite technology and then talked about CSOPS, one of five airmanship squadrons at USAFA.”
LaGassa remarked to Park that CSOPS is the Academy’s only airmanship program where cadets can participate in real U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force missions while operating FalconSAT satellites.
“The opportunity to lead the briefing was extremely valuable,” said LaGassa. “I enjoyed meeting the ROKAF delegation and sharing what my team and I do on a daily basis.”
The visit enhanced Park’s understanding of U.S. air and space capabilities.
“This was a very meaningful time together,” said Park. “I’ve finally discovered the origin of power behind the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.”
The Academy serves as the Air Force and Space Force’s premier institution for developing leaders of character. Currently, more than 4,000 cadets are enrolled at the Academy to include three international students from South Korea.
The U.S. Air Force and ROKAF remain close Allies with shared interests to innovate air and space capabilities, enhance readiness and strengthen cooperation.