FighterSweep Fans, in the event you needed a bit more awesome in your week, look no further. We’ve discussed the concept and execution of the “Elephant Walk” in the past, but today’s iteration at Osan Air Base in the Republic of Korea was pretty special as it included not only our friends from the “Fiends” and their Block 40 Vipers, but also F-16CJ Super Weasels from the 179th Fighter Squadron, and the ever-awesome Warthogs from the 25th Fighter Squadron.
As part of Exercise Beverly Herd 16-01, the Elephant Walk is a popular and impressive display of American airpower. It tests the readiness of aircrew, as well as the ability of maintainers and weapons troops to generate combat-ready aircraft in a short amount of time.
This particular iteration was different because of two aircraft and three mission sets put on display. With the Block 40 Vipers, you have self-escort, multi-role strikers–who can also perform SEAD, thanks to their HTS pods. The Hawgs bring their awesome firepower and repertoire of SCAR, CAS, FAC-A, and RESCORT to the fight. Lastly, and certainly not least are the SEAD/DEAD specialists flying the Block 50s from Duluth.
A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft perform an ‘Elephant Walk’ on the runway this week during Exercise Beverly Herd 16-01 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Travis Edwards/Released)
Pilsung! Harrumph!