ABOUT 8th CES
- Origins: The 8th Civil Engineer Squadron (8th CES) is part of the 8th Fighter Wing, famously known as the "Wolf Pack," stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.
- Korean War Connection: The 8th Fighter Wing, and its support units like the 8th CES, have roots tracing back to the Korean War, playing a pivotal role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula.
- “Follow Me!” Motto: The 8th CES adopted the “Follow Me!” motto, symbolizing their leadership and readiness to pave the way for operational success.
- Rapid Runway Repair: 8th CES is trained for rapid runway repair, essential for maintaining sortie generation capability during potential attacks on the base.
- Typhoon Readiness: The squadron is responsible for preparing the base for frequent typhoons, ensuring minimal impact from these severe storms.
- Wolf Pack Heritage: The unit is an integral part of the “Wolf Pack,” a nickname and tradition started by Col. Robin Olds, a legendary fighter pilot and commander during the Vietnam War.
- “Red Devil” Symbol: The 8th CES has sometimes used the “Red Devil” as an unofficial mascot, representing their tenacity and fighting spirit.
- Community Partnerships: The squadron regularly engages in host-nation engagement by partnering with local Korean engineers for joint projects and disaster response drills.
- Award-Winning Unit: 8th CES has won multiple Air Force-level awards for excellence in engineering, emergency management, and environmental stewardship.
- Critical Base Operations: From maintaining airfield lighting to overseeing fire protection, explosive ordnance disposal, and construction projects, 8th CES is vital to base resilience and mission success at Kunsan AB.