Recent official discussions about transferring command of forces in South Korea to Seoul have focused exclusively on ground forces, according to Gen. Paul Hester, commander of Pacific Air Forces. Defense officials from both sides have denied reports that the discussions do not include air assets. However, Hester told Air Force Magazine in an interview Tuesday that operational command of USAF assets in Korea will remain with 7th Air Force.
The Air Force plans to conduct more intensive training—and Congress is set to help by boosting funding for exercises and so-called “campaigning” by hundreds of millions of dollars, particularly in the Pacific.
