Commissioning Ceremony for the 154th Class of Air Force Officer Candidates Produces 442 New Officers

Great-great-grandson of Independence Activist Commissioned as Officer
Three Air Force Dog Tags and Other Noteworthy Stories

The Air Force held the commissioning ceremony for the 154th class of Officer Candidate School, commissioning 442 new officers.

On May 27, at the main parade ground of the Air Force Education and Training Command, the Air Force announced that it held the commissioning ceremony for the 154th class of Air Force Officer Candidates, presided over by Lieutenant General Son Seokrak, Commander of the Education and Training Command. The 442 newly commissioned officers entered the Basic Military Training Group in February and completed three months of training, which consisted of phases focused on developing military and leadership qualities.

The ceremony was attended by key guests, including Lee Gyehun, President of the Air Force Veterans Association, Park Kibum, Executive Vice President of the Air Force Academy Alumni Association, as well as the families and relatives of the new officers. The event proceeded with the awarding of certificates and commendations, presentation of commissioning orders and rank insignia, the commissioning oath, a congratulatory speech by the Commander of the Education and Training Command, and a celebratory flight by the Black Eagles.

Second Lieutenant Kang Seongbin, the great-great-grandson of independence activist Kang Yaksu. Photo by Air Force

Commander Son stated, "I hope you will inherit the achievements and spirit of your senior comrades, internalize the Air Force's core values of challenge, dedication, professionalism, and teamwork, and continue to strive to grow into leaders who will take responsibility for the future of the Air Force."

Meanwhile, at the ceremony, Second Lieutenant Kim Minseong (21, Finance) was honored with the Minister of National Defense Award for the highest achievement. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Award went to Second Lieutenant Lee Kangyun (25, Supply and Transportation), the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Award to Second Lieutenant Lee Seunghun (22, Supply and Transportation), the Commander of the Air Force Education and Training Command Award to Second Lieutenant Kim Jooyong (27, Supply and Transportation), and the Commander of the Basic Military Training Group (Brigadier General) Award to Second Lieutenant Heo Jongbeom (26, Supply and Transportation).

This commissioning ceremony also featured new officers with diverse backgrounds. Second Lieutenant Kang Seongbin is the great-great-grandson of independence activist Kang Yaksu. Second Lieutenants Lee Haein and Lee Haemin became a rare case of sisters being commissioned together. Second Lieutenants Choi Jangyun and Na Seungil drew attention by each receiving three Air Force dog tags.