We’ve developed our ability to train and fight together through RED FLAGs and our Peninsula-wide exercises MAX THUNDER and VIGILANT ACE. … the capability of the ROKAF/USAF has improved exponentially. This ensures the base’s protection against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. This battalion is equipped with Patriot Advanced Capability, or PAC-3, missiles. Army’s 2nd Batallion, 1st Air Defense Artillery. Its mission is to deliver lethal airpower when and where directed, including interdiction, close air support, counter air, air superiority and suppression of enemy air defenses. It is tasked with conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions with the 45 F-16s that are assigned to the wing. That’s the 8th Fighter Wing’s motto, nicknamed the Wolf Pack. ‘’Defend the base, accept follow-on forces, take the flight north’’ This goes to show the tension and threat, something that I certainly felt during my time at Kunsan. Such language is typical in North Korean propaganda because the country claims US-South Korean drills are preparation for invasion. North Korea’s state media said that the drill pushes the Korean Peninsula “to the brink of nuclear war”. The five-day drill, named Vigilant Ace, is meant to improve the allies’ wartime capabilities and preparedness, South Korea’s defense ministry said. The war games came a week after North Korea test-fired its most powerful missile ever, an ICBM that may be able to target the eastern seaboard of the United States. Hundreds of aircraft including two dozen stealth jets began training as the United States and South Korea launched a massive combined air force exercise. December of 2017 saw their biggest cooperated air exercise so far. We enjoy friendships at a personal level while providing for the collective defense of the peninsula and the region’’.Ĭooperation & tension due to current affairsĭue to close cooperation of both ROKAF and USAF forces, their capabilities have improved exponentially. Here at Kunsan Air Base, we train with the 38th Fighter Group of the ROKAF. Shoemaker once mentioned: ‘ ’The ironclad alliance between the US and Republic of Korea is evident in everything we do. forces at Kunsan, the 8th FW Commander Col. DoD civilians (28), Korean nationals (450) and family members (50-100).Ībout the presence of U.S. Kunsan AFB and its 8th FW is home to more than 2,800 active-duty personnel, mostly U.S. It is part of the Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. The 8th Fighter Wing serves as the base’s host unit and falls under the Seventh Air Force at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The base is established on the west coast of the country, close to Gunsan City. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the ‘Wolf Pack’. I am standing in front of Kunsan Air Base, waiting for the Public Affairs Officer. Four F-16s take to the South Korean skies with afterburners. It’s not like any other base that I’ve visited, less relaxed maybe. It is rather strange to be here, maybe it’s just me but you can feel the tension. Only a few vehicles arrive and depart, some of them being thoroughly checked. There’s not much going on, which is fairly unusual for an Air Force Base at 8 a.m. Late October, it’s around 70☏ and slightly foggy. Kunsan Air Base: The Den of the Wolf Pack Special Purpose Military Aircraft Gallery.McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A-18 Gallery.
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