An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Highest ranking enlisted Airman on peninsula can't say goodbye to Korea

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Rene White
  • Seventh Air Force, AFKOR Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Chief Master Sgt. Raymond F. Allen III, Seventh Air Force command chief master sergeant and the highest ranking enlisted Airman in Korea, is set to retire April 4 after 30 years of service.

After completing a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and nearly two years in Korea as the principal advisor to the senior Air Force officer in Korea (Lt. Gen Stephen G. Wood), Chief Allen, and his wife Yong, have chosen to live in the Republic of Korea and work in Seoul.

"Of the approximate 40 countries I've served in, Korea is among my favorite places to live," Chief Allen said.

During the retirement ceremony, General Wood, Seventh Air Force commander, plans to present the U.S. Air Force Legion of Merit decoration to Chief Allen for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as his Command Chief.

"During his tenure, Chief Allen's leadership and drive were felt across the entire Korean Peninsula and by every Airman," according to the citation for the decoration. "He was fully committed to the quality of life of the 10,000 Airmen and Soldiers under his charge, ensuring modern, safe, and functional facilities which enhanced mission capability, morale, and welfare for all military members."

Airmen in Korean provide "Ready to Fight Tonight" expeditionary air, space and cyberspace power, including command and control and information operations. Their mission is to deter war and defend the Republic of Korea from adversaries.

Perhaps one of the chief's most distinguished accomplishments was enhancing the profession of arms alliance between the U.S. Air Force and the Republic of Korea.

For example, he worked to enroll the first Republic of Korea Air Force senior noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy.

He also diligently partnered with the Chief Master Sergeant of the Republic of Korea Air Force to provide the opportunity for 10 Korean Airmen to attend the Osan Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Course.

As Chief Allen retires, Chief Master Sgt. Harry B. Viel Jr., assumes the duties of Command Chief Master Sergeant to the Seventh Air Force.

View Chief Allen's biography here.