The Air Force said on the 24th that it held the commissioning ceremony for the 155th class of officer candidates at the grand parade ground of the Air Force Education and Training Command.
According to the Air Force, 168 new Air Force officers were commissioned this time, including 50 women. After entering the basic military training unit in Aug., they spent three months in education and training to build the capabilities required of officers.
In a congratulatory address, Air Force Education and Training Command Commander Kwon Young-min said, "Inherit the achievements and will of senior comrades and internalize the Air Force values of challenge and dedication, professionalism, and teamwork," adding, "Even after commissioning, grow into an Air Force that 'renews itself day by day and again day by day,' through ceaseless effort."
The officer commissioned with the highest honors was Second Lt. Kim Kyung-rae (air defense artillery), who received the Ministry of National Defense minister's award. Second Lt. Yu Eun-je (logistics and transport) received the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff award, Second Lt. Park Seung-hyun (personnel and education) received the Air Force chief of staff award, and Second Lt. Park Jong-hyuk (personnel and education) received the education commander's award.
Second Lt. Hwang Hee-il (pilot), who was commissioned as a noncommissioned officer and an officer before being commissioned as a pilot officer, also drew attention. Hwang was first commissioned as an Air Force noncommissioned officer in 2016. Aiming to become a pilot, Hwang applied in 2020 to be commissioned in the pilot track but did not pass, served as a weather specialty officer, and separated with the rank of first lieutenant.
Not giving up on the dream of becoming a pilot, Hwang tried again while serving as an Air Force officer, earning 24 certifications including master craftsman in electronics and a master's degree in aviation operations management, and was ultimately commissioned as a pilot officer. Hwang has served in the military for 11 years and 5 months.
Hwang said, "I tried again to become an officer with the determination to become a fighter pilot," adding, "Although this is my second commissioning as a second lieutenant, I will steel myself and devote myself to training and missions as I embark on a new path." Including service as an Air Force noncommissioned officer, a weather officer, a civilian employee, and a pilot officer, Hwang has four service numbers.
An individual who gave up U.S. permanent residency to be commissioned as an Air Force interpreter officer also drew attention. Second Lt. Kwon Jae-uk (interpretation) attended middle and high school in the United States and could have obtained permanent residency, but chose the Korean Air Force, citing a desire to contribute to the development of Korea's military diplomacy.
Kwon majored in international law and international politics at Fudan University in China and researched Northeast Asian security at the Graduate School of International Studies at Seoul National University. Kwon said, "Since I was commissioned as an Air Force interpreter officer by making use of my language skills, I will contribute to the development of military diplomacy."