SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – Members of the United States and Republic of Korea Air Transportation Working Group, known as ATWG, met at U.S. Transportation Command July 9-10 to discuss policy and procedures relating to the U.S. and ROK Mutual Airlift Support Agreement. The ATWG is composed of USTRANSCOM and U.S. Forces Korea personnel.
“The MASA (Mutual Airlift Support Agreement) increases airlift capability and flexibility during a contingency by using Korean Air aircraft to transport U.S. troops and equipment to forward operating bases in or near the Korean Peninsula,” said Joe Lepanto, USTRANSCOM Doctrine and Command Agreements Branch.
During the meeting, Rear Adm. William A. Brown, director, USTRANSCOM Policy, Plans and Logistics, signed the recently revised Implementing Arrangement on behalf of the United States. Brig. Gen. Kang Chisoon, deputy chief of staff for Logistics, ROK Air Force, on hand for the ceremony, previously signed for his country in Korea.
“The IA specifies the procedures and financial arrangement of the MASA,” Lepanto said, “and was updated due to organizational changes, office symbols, and contact information for both the US and ROK.
“The ROK and USFK team will fly on to Joint Base McGuire for a tour and briefings at a large Air Mobility Command Wing,” added Lepanto.
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