Exercise Vigilant Ace Concludes

24 Pages·2017·8.85 MB·English

Peninsula - Wide U.S. Air Force Newspaper
Volume 10, Issue 05 December 08, 2017 http://www.7af.pacaf.af.mil
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, participate in an elephant walk during Exercise VIGILANT
ACE 18 at Osan Air Base, Dec. 3, 2017. The exercise gives aircrews and air support operations personnel from various airframes, military services and
our Republic of Korea partners an opportunity to integrate and practice combat operations against realistic air and ground threats. (U.S. Air Force
photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos/Released)
Exercise Vigilant Ace Concludes
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs enhance interoperability between U.S. and and ROK forces.
Republic of Korea forces and increase the Previously known as Beverly Bulldog, this
OSAN AIR BASE -- The annual VIGILANT combat effectiveness of both nations. exercise is regularly scheduled training, held
ACE 18, a regularly scheduled flying exercise, U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy annually, and VIGILANT ACE 18 highlights
was held on the Korean Peninsula Dec. 4-8, personnel trained with air assets from the the longstanding military partnership,
and 12,000 U.S. personnel participated along Republic of Korea, flying 230 aircraft at commitment and enduring friendship
with Airmen from the Republic of Korea Air eight U.S. and ROK military installations. between two nations. It is designed to ensure
Force. All F-22s and F-35s returned to their VIGILANT ACE is part of a continuous peace and security on the Korean Peninsula,
home bases at the end of the exercise. This exercise program designed to enhance and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to
realistic air combat exercise is designed to readiness and operational capability of U.S. stability in the Northeast Asia region.
Vipers, Lightning We Go Together: USAF, RO-
strike Korean Pen- KAF strengthen relationship
insula together with Buddy Wing
for first time
First Afghan UH-60
PAGE 4 PAGE 10 pilots graduate PAGE 16
NEWS
PAGE 2 | CRIMSON SKY December 08, 2017
Crimson Sky
Could flying faster save
Published by Seventh Air Force
7th Air Force
Commanding General/Publisher
Lt. Gen. Thomas W. Bergeson the Air Force fuel?
Public Affairs Officer/Editor
Lt. Col. Michal Kloeffler-Howard
PA Superintendent
Master Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
Editor/COR
Park, Do Young
51st Fighter Wing
Commander
Col. William D. Betts
Public Affairs Officer
Capt. Carrie Volpe
Staff Writers
Technical Sgt. Benjamin Wiseman
Staff Sgt. Alex Echols
Staff Sgt. Franklin Ramos
Staff Sgt. Tinese Jackson
Airman 1st Class Gwendalyn Smith
8th Fighter Wing
Commander
Col. David G.Shoemaker
Public Affairs Officer
Capt. Christopher Mesnard
Staff Writers
Senior Airman Colville McFee
Senior Airman Michael Hunsaker
Senior Airman Colby Hardin
SSgt. Victoria Taylor
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Two F-22 Raptors prepare to take off during an Air Force Operational Energy mission at Joint Base Elmendorf-
by the Air Force or Oriental Press of the products
or services advertised. Everything advertised Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, Aug. 13, 2017. The aircraft were part of a demonstration to assess if flying at an
in this publication shall be made available for
purchase, use or patronage without regard to increased speed consumes less fuel while saving precious flight hours. (U.S. Air Force photo by Corrie Poland)
race, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital
status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or
any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user
or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal By Corrie Poland, Air Force opportunities and time back home,” preserves time on the aircraft for
opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, Operational Energy
the printer shall refuse to print advertising from Thompson said. higher value sorties like combat
that source until the violation is corrected. JOINT BASE ELMENDORF- The concept of increased speed, and training”.
Oriental Press Chief Executive Officer RICHARDSON, Alaska (AFNS) -- although seemingly counter- As the largest consumer of fuel
Charles Chong On a Sunday morning just outside intuitive, was first explored by the across the U.S. federal government,
Oriental Press President of Anchorage, Alaska, a group of 618th Air Operations Center in spending nearly $5 billion annually,
John Nowell
Hawaii Air National Guard fighter 2014. They discovered that flying the Air Force aims to increase
Art Director pilots gathered around a desk at at a higher speed could save total operational energy efficiency while
Eric Young-Seok Park
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to fuel consumption and flight hours, continuing to ensure mission
Commercial Advertising hear the day’s operational briefing but it still needed to be proven in success. The next step is to apply
Telephone: [phone] ext. 6815
E-mail: [email protected] after three weeks of training at Red action. this method across other fighter
Address: PSC 450, Box 758, APO AP 96206-0758 Flag Alaska. To demonstrate the concept, one platforms.
Location: Dragon Hill Lodge, Bldg. 4050-B
As they sipped coffee and listened cell of F-22s and an accompanying “When it comes to operational
to the delivery control officer, tanker for refueling, flew at a energy, it’s important to be as
Visit us online
they learned the mission was not higher velocity, while the other cell efficient as possible, allowing
Crimson Sky
difficult, but it was certainly unique. flew the standard profile and acted us to maximize the number of
www.7af.pacaf.af.mil In support of the Air Force as a control group. Throughout fighters we move and saving both
Operational Energy Program, six the five hour flight, researchers the government and the taxpayer
F-22 Raptors flew from Alaska to collected multiple data points in money while doing it,” said Lt. Col.
JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, order to compare results from both Russell Johnson, delivery control
accompanied by two aerial refueling cells. The faster cell was able to cut officer from the Air Operation
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For all submitted items include a point of F-22 pilot and the flight lead. redeployed in this manner,” said thinking to develop and champion
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NEWS
December 08, 2017 CRIMSON SKY | PAGE 3
U.S., ROK Air Forces conclude
bilateral exercise
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from the runway at Kunsan Air Base, Aug. 23,
2017. Airmen assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing participated in Beverly Pack 17-3, a five-day,
regularly-scheduled operational readiness exercise, which tested the base’s ability to respond
to various scenarios in a contingency environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman
Colville McFee/Released)
By Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
• BULLETIN •
OSAN AIR BASE -- Osan is one of eight military
stations across the Korean Peninsula concluded
exercise Vigilant Ace 18, an annual exercise geared CHRISTMAS DAY: 25 Dec 2017, Monday, is a legal holiday for both Korean National
toward enhancing interoperability between U.S. (KN) and U.S. civilian employees. Those KN and U.S. civilian employees scheduled
and ROK forces and ensuring local peace and to work on 25 Dec 2017, Monday, will be paid holiday premium pay. All others will be
security, Dec. 4-8.
released from duty without charge to leave or loss of pay. For KN civilian employees, if a
During the week-long exercise, the U.S. and
holiday falls on their non-work day, no substitute observance day will be granted.
ROK are combining their forces with a total of 230
aircraft, training on mutual support procedures
NEW YEAR’S DAY: 1 Jan 2018, Monday, is a legal holiday for U.S. civilian employees; 1
and further improving understanding and trust
and 2 Jan 2018, Monday and Tuesday, are official holidays for KN employees. Both U.S.
between the two nations.
“In the event we need to help defend our 51 and KN civilian employees who are regularly scheduled to work on their observed holiday
million Korean allies, I need to be sure the 51st will be paid holiday premium pay. All others will be released from duty without charge
Fighter Wing is synchronized with the Combined- to leave or loss of pay. If a holiday falls on KN employee’s non-work day, no substitute
Joint force,” said Col. William D. Betts, 51st FW day will be granted.
commander. “Vigilant Ace is an opportunity for
us to do just that; focus on getting smarter, faster
Any questions should be directed to Ms. Kim, Min Kyo of the Civilian Personnel Office
and more capable than we were yesterday while
at 784-4434/8177. (51 FSS/FSCA)
we generate combat airpower and strengthen the
alliance.”
- Continues on page 8 -
nEWS
PAGE 4 | CRIMSON SKY December 08, 2017
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35
Lightning II aircraft participate in a training
mission near Kunsan Air Base, Dec. 1, 2017, in
preparation for VIGILANT ACE 18. F-16 pilots
assigned to the Wolf Pack at Kunsan conducted
training missions with F-35 pilots from Hill Air
Force Base, Utah, to test the capabilities of
the fifth-generation aircraft during integrated
flight operations over the Korean Peninsula. The
participation of the F-35 in VIGILANT ACE 18
marked the aircraft’s first operational readiness
exercise in the Pacific (U.S. Air Force photo by
Tech. Sgt. Josh Rosales)
Vipers, Lightning fly Korean
Peninsula together for first time
By Tech. Sgt. Joshua Rosales
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE -- Exercise VIGILANT ACE 18
concluded across the Korean Peninsula and the Wolf
Pack’s F-16 Fighting Falcons, better known as Vipers,
played host to the fifth-generation Joint Strike
Fighter, the F-35A Lightning II, at the historic 8th
Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
The Vipers and Lightings began training side-
by-side last week in preparation for the F-35’s first
integration into the week-long, annual flying exercise,
and launched their first flights for VIGILANT ACE on
Dec. 4, 2017.
Currently forward deployed to Kadena AB, Japan
from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, U.S. Air Force
Airmen and F-35s from the 34th and 466th Fighter
Squadrons employ the newest and most advanced
fighter aircraft in air battle scenarios with a variety
of airframes from equally diverse points in modern
aviation history.
“This is a great opportunity for some of our younger
pilots to fly with our more experienced guys, as well
as join in with the Wolf Pack and the rest of the air A U.S. Air Force Airman signals an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot participating in an elephant
assets out here participating in VIGILANT ACE,” walk to test the 8th Fighter Wing’s ability to generate combat ready aircraft during exercise
said Lt Col Dave DeAngelis, 466th FS commander. VIGILANT ACE 18 on Dec. 3, 2017, at Kunsan Air Base. Airmen at Kunsan supported the regularly
“Having the F-35 here on peninsula during this scheduled week-long exercise, which featured 12,000 U.S. personnel working alongside
exercise, which is intended to test the combined air members of the Republic of Korea Air Force at eight U.S. and ROK military installations. (U.S. Air
picture, validates our ability to jump into the fight Force photo by Senior Airman Colby Hardin)
NEWS
December 08, 2017 CRIMSON SKY | PAGE 5
at a moment’s notice and support forces in the Through various simulated scenarios and other aircraft in the region are also
region.” developed by exercise planners, the 2,700 participating in VIGILANT ACE. The overall
A U.S. Air Force Airman signals an F-16 Airmen stationed at Kunsan verify their ability scale of forces helps contribute to a realistic
Fighting Falcon pilot participating in an to support U.S. Forces Korea contingency site picture for those participating, especially
elephant walk to test the 8th Fighter Wing’s operations by launching combat jets to take with regard to air assets integrating in a war-
ability to generate combat ready aircraft during the fight north, defend the base from potential time scenario with their support personnel
exercise VIGILANT ACE 18 on Dec. 3, 2017, at hostile forces and accept follow-on forces from and equipment.
Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Airmen U.S. bases around the region. “Our combined operations and maintenance
at Kunsan supported the regularly scheduled “During my three tours here at Kunsan, team has been doing phenomenal out here and
week-long exercise, which featured 12,000 U.S. we’ve had a similar approach to our readiness we appreciate all the support of the 8th FW,” said
personnel working alongside members of the in terms of how we exercise,” said Shoemaker. DeAngelis.
Republic of Korea Air Force at eight U.S. and “It’s natural for us to develop and evolve as He further went on to state that because of
ROK military installations. (U.S. Air Force a force, and that’s what we’re doing now by the support, they “were able to quickly generate
photo by Senior Airman Colby Hardin) bringing fifth-generation assets into the fold. training sorties after [their] arrival from Japan,”
A U.S. Air Force Airman signals an F-16 We’re simply adding a new dynamic to the air ensuring a rapid employment of fifth-generation
Fighting Falcon pilot participating in an component and how we maintain peace on the assets on the peninsula.
elephant walk to test the 8th Fighter Wing’s peninsula.” Previously known as Beverly Bulldog,
ability to generate combat ready aircraft In addition to the six U.S. Air Force F-35As VIGILANT ACE enables both nations’ training
during exercise VIGILANT ACE 18 on Dec. 3, supplementing the contingent of F-16s here programs and fulfills obligations to the Mutual
2017, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. and other U.S. and ROK forces already on Defense Treaty, furthering the longstanding
Airmen at Kunsan supported the regularly the peninsula, 12 U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs, military partnership, commitment and enduring
scheduled week-long exercise, which six U.S. Air Force F-22s, U.S. Navy aircraft friendship between the two.
featured 12,000 U.S. personnel working
alongside members of the Republic of Korea
Air Force at eight U.S. and ROK military
installations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior
Airman Colby Hardin)
The regularly scheduled flying exercise
features more than 230 aircraft with U.S.
and Republic of Korea Air Force personnel
working alongside each other, comparable to
participation from previous years’ iterations.
In terms of geographic scope, U.S. units from
Japan, Guam, and Alaska are participating
in the realistic air combat exercise with
ROKAF units at eight U.S. and Korean
military installations across the southern
portion of the peninsula – enhancing the
combat effectiveness of all involved in the
air battle.
“Every day at the Wolf Pack we’re able to
project power across the peninsula with one of
the world’s most versatile and capable aircraft,”
said Col. David Shoemaker, 8th Fighter Wing
commander. “The Viper is a workhorse, not only
for us, but also for many other nations, to include
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing taxi in front of an F-35A Lightning
the ROKAF. Our ability to train and fight as a
II assigned to Hill Air Force Base, Utah at Kunsan Air Base, Dec. 3, 2017. The 8th Fighter Wing hosted
cohesive force is as important as it ever has been
the fifth-generation strike fighters to train side-by-side during the week-long, bi-annual exercise
in the past six decades.”
VIGILANT ACE 18. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Frank W. Miller III)
Andersen AFB to host 66th Annual
Operation Christmas Drop
By 36th Wing Public Affairs Australian Air Force to execute low-cost, low- pounds of charitable goods later, the 2017
altitude training air drops. The aerial delivery missions are set to carry on this tradition of
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- The will serve as valuable interoperability training international goodwill.
66th iteration of Operation Christmas Drop is for the partner nations while delivering various
set to take to the Pacific skies here Dec. 11. donations provided by private donors, charitable
The Department of Defense’s longest recurring organizations and the University of Guam.
humanitarian mission is a long-standing This year’s event will mark the first time the
annual tradition of packaging and delivering C-130J Super Hercules will be flown during the
food, tools and toys to more than 50 remote operation. The new aircraft model, which is to
islands in the South-Eastern Pacific, including supplant the C-130H Hercules, will allow aircrews
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana to expedite cargo across an area covering more
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and than 1.8 million square miles.
the Republic of Palau. The rich history of Operation Christmas
During the weeklong international charity Drop started in 1952 when locals on the island
effort, Pacific Air Forces airpower ambassadors of Kapingamarangi waved at the aircrew of a
from Andersen AFB, Guam, Joint Base Pearl passing WB-50 Superfortress, prompting the
Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii and Yokota Air Base, crew to gather, pack and parachute goods to the
Japan, will work with their partners of the islanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class DELANO
Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Royal Nearly seven decades and more than 1 million SCOTT, 374th Airlift Wing/Public Affairs)
nEWS
PAGE 6 | CRIMSON SKY December 08, 2017
A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter aircraft, assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron, taxis down a runway during Exercise VIGILANT ACE 18
at Osan Air Base, Dec. 3, 2017. The exercise gives aircrews and air support operations personnel from various airframes, military services and our
Republic of Korea partners an opportunity to integrate and practice combat operations against realistic air and ground threats. (U.S. Air Force photo
by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos/Released)
- Continues from page 4 -
U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and
Navy and ROK Air Force personnel
at Kunsan, Osan, Jungwon, Gwangju,
Wonju, Daegu, Seosan and Cheongju
are testing their warfighter procedures,
focusing on full-spectrum operations to
deter, and if necessary defeat, a rapidly
evolving threat.
As they would during a real world
event, several units from across U.S.
Pacific Command are bedding down
at the participating bases to augment
their current forces, ensuring training
scenarios during VA18 are as true to life
as possible.
“The threat here on the peninsula is very
real, and countering that threat needs to
be in the forefront of our minds,” said
Betts. “My biggest expectation for the
Wing is to remove any ‘exercise’ mindset
from the equation and maximize the
realism of every response. We will ensure
we have no regrets if we find ourselves
executing contingency operations.”
In the air, U.S. F-22 Raptors, F-35
Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons,
F-15 Eagles, F-18 Hornets and EA-18G
Maintainers from the 25th Fighter Squadron prepare an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft for live weapons
Growlers are flying alongside ROK
loading during exercise Vigilant Ace 18 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 2, 2017. The exercise
F-15K Slam Eagles and F-4 Phantom IIs,
gives aircrews and air support operations personnel from various airframes, military services and our
providing realistic air combat training
Republic of Korea partners an opportunity to integrate and practice combat operations against realistic air
and enhancing operational and tactical-
and ground threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos/Released)
NEWS
December 08, 2017 CRIMSON SKY | PAGE 7
level coordination through combined and
joint combat training.
Though the name has changed, U.S.
and ROK forces have been working
together in this annual exercise for the
last nine years, now as Vigilant Ace and
before as Beverly Bulldog. It serves as one
way the U.S. can reaffirm its commitment
to stability in the Northeast Asia region
and highlight its longstanding military
partnership and enduring friendship
with the ROK.
- More photos on page 11 -
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class James
Egan, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron
fuels distribution operator, fuels an F-16
Fighting Falcon aircraft during exercise
Vigilant Ace 18 at Osan Air Base, Dec. 2,
2017. The exercise provides realistic air
combat training for the United States and
Republic of Korea, testing and refining the
readiness and interoperability of US-ROK
forces to deter aggression and provide a
rapid response to attack. (U.S. Air Force
photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III) U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the
Wisconsin Air National Guard 115th Fighter
Wing, prepare to depart the installation at
Kunsan Air Base, Nov. 8, 2017. The 115th FW
participated in a three-month Theater Security
Package rotational Deployment to Kunsan AB
as part of maintaining peace and security in
the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force
photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria H. Taylor)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Hamlin Burch and Jacob Wiemers, 25th Fighter Squadron weapons load crew members, remove a weapon system from an A-10
Thunderbolt II aircraft during exercise Vigilant Ace 18 at Osan Air Base, Dec. 2, 2017. The exercise provides realistic air combat training for the United States
and Republic of Korea, testing and refining the readiness and interoperability of US-ROK forces to deter aggression and provide a rapid response to attack.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos/Released)
nNEEWWSS
PAGE 8 | CRIMSON SKY December 08, 2017
Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Yates (left), 51st
Security Forces Squadron superintendent and Lt.
Col. Joseph Ringer (right), 51st Security Forces
Squadron commander participate in a ribbon
cutting ceremony during the grand opening of the
new combat arms facility at Osan Air Base, Nov.
28, 2017. This state of the art facility will replace
the current combat arms building. (U.S. Air Force
photo by Staff Sgt. Tinese Jackson)
New Com-
bat Arms
Facility is
Open for
Business
<above> U.S Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Rhodes, 51st Security Forces
Squadron combat arms NCOIC, watches the first shots being taken during
the grand opening of the new combat arms facility at Osan Air Base, Nov. 28,
2017. This new facility will allow for double the amount of people to be trained
at once. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tinese Jackson)
<left> Leadership from the 51st Fighter Wing and 51st Security Forces
Squadron prepare to take the first shots during the grand opening of the new
combat arms facility at Osan Air Base, Nov. 28, 2017. This new facility will
allow for double the amount of people to be trained at once. (U.S. Air Force
photo by Staff Sgt. Tinese Jackson)
NEWS
December 08, 2017 CRIMSON SKY | PAGE 9
- More photos from page 9 -
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to
the 36th Fighter Squadron, taxis down a runway
during Exercise VIGILANT ACE 18 at Osan Air
Base, Dec. 3, 2017. The exercise provides U.S. and
RoK forces training to employ Airpower to deter
aggression, preserve the armistice, defend the
RoK and defeat any attack against the alliance.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R.
Ramos/Released)
U.S. Air Force Airmen confer on the flightline during exercise Vigilant Ace 18 at Osan Air
Base, Dec. 2, 2017. The exercise provides realistic air combat training for the United States
and Republic of Korea, testing and refining the readiness and interoperability of US-ROK
forces to deter aggression and provide a rapid response to attack.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-
Lakehurst, N.J., begins take-off during Exercise VIGILANT ACE 18 at Osan Air Base, Dec.
3, 2017. The exercise allows U.S. and RoK forces to train together to deter aggression,
preserve the armistice, and defeat any attack against the alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo
by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos/Released)
nEWS
PAGE 10 | CRIMSON SKY December 08, 2017
U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing and 115th
Fighter Wing with Republic of Korea Air Force pilots assigned to
the 38th Fighter Group wait to takeoff at Kunsan Air Base, Oct.
30, 2017. The pilots carried out a “Friendship Flight” mission,
continuing a long partnership of mutually strengthening cross-
cultural communications and mission capabilities, ultimately
enabling a better posture to execute the combat mission of “Take
the Fight North” if called upon to do so. (U.S. Air Force photo by
Staff Sgt. Victoria Taylor
We Go Together: USAF, ROKAF strengthen
relationship with Buddy Wing
By Senior Airman Colby L. Hardin
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE -- If called upon to take the fight north, the Wolf
Pack would not go it alone.
As a part of a combined force, the U.S. and Republic of Korea air
forces on the peninsula would need to execute combat operations as
a singular and fluid force. Because of this, they practice together to
remain proficient in their deadly mission, should they ever be called to
conduct it.
Since 2013, both nations have worked to enhance their focus through
the 7th Air Force initiated program dubbed Buddy Wing, in which U.S.
Air Force and ROKAF Airmen flight-plan and fly together to achieve
shared proficiency in the skies above Korea.
Red Flag Origins
A Republic of Korea Air Force F-15 Egle maneuvers toward a 909th Air
Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a refueling exercise Sept. A Republic of Korea Air Force F-15 Eagle maneuvers toward a 909th Air
12, 2016, over the Pacific Ocean. The 909th and ROKAF trained together Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a refueling exercise Sept.
to enhance nighttime, long-distance flying capability. (U.S. Air Force 12, 2016, over the Pacific Ocean. The 909th and ROKAF trained together to
photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft) Buddy Wings are week-long training enhance nighttime, long-distance flying capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by
Senior Airman Peter Reft)
exercises in which U.S. Air Force and ROKAF units integrate to perform a
variety of tactical flying missions in support of larger combat operations.
The program began four years ago when the U.S. helped prepare the
ROKAF for their inaugural participation in RED FLAG - Alaska. Building Muscle Memory
Since its inception, the program has continued to evolve, encompassing
the full spectrum of combat training and operations while rotating Due to continued training repetition, each iteration of the Buddy Wing
locations between different U.S. and ROK bases across the peninsula. exercise provides pilots and mission planners greater potential for interaction
“In 2013, we created the building blocks or basic structure for the between aircrew and aircraft capabilities.
program” said Col. Steven Tittel, 8th Fighter Wing vice commander. The Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing, U.S. Air Force’s
“Now that we have moved past the program’s initial vision, we are able 8th FW and Republic of Korea Air Force’s 38th Fighter Group took to the
to seamlessly integrate increasing levels of complexity in our combined skies together Oct. 30, 2017 to demonstrate their ability to Fight Tonight
training.” in the skies above the Korean Peninsula. “During my first tour here as a