Editor’s Note: More good things happening on the Korean Peninsula. Our friends at the 51st Fighter Wing are still building strong relationships with their RoKAF counterparts. As we previously reported, the Fiends (Harrumph!) conducted Buddy Wing 16-1 with a Korean Block 52 KF-16 unit. This time it’s A-10s from the 25th Fighter Squadron (Pilsung!) at Osan Air Base, getting in on the act with RoKAF KA-1 Woongbi fighters.
The 51st Fighter Wing hosted Buddy Wing 16-2 at Osan Air Base Feb. 22-25, showcasing Airmen from the 25th Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit.
South Korean air force pilots and maintainers from the 237th FS at Wonju Air Base, traveled to Osan AB in a continued effort to support the alliance.
“The Buddy Wing exercise creates an opportunity to share knowledge and discuss and improve processes that can be tactically developed by both (South Korean air force) KA-1 and U.S. Air Force A-10 (Thunderbolt II) pilots,” said Maj. Hwang, Jung-hwan, a 237th FS pilot.
U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Hansen, 51st Fighter Wing commander discusses the KA-1 Woongbi fighter aircraft with Republic of Korea air force Capt. Ahn, Hae-Chul, 237th Fighter Squadron pilot, during Buddy Wing 16-2 on Osan Air Base, ROK, Feb. 22, 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristin High/Released)
“This Buddy Wing will grant an opportunity for us to prepare and be ready to cope with unexpected situations we have never experienced in person by performing practical training where our (South Korean air force) may lack.”
Members participating in Buddy Wing 16-2 trained to build relationships and broaden their knowledge of working in a joint environment with continued training operations aimed at deterring enemy aggression.
U.S. Air Force A-10s from the 25th FS integrated with South Korean air force KA-1 Woongbi fighter aircraft from the 237th FS to perform close air support missions.
The original article in its entirety can be viewed here.
(Featured photo by Senior Airman Kristin High/U.S. Air Force)