It is tasked with conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions with the 45 F-16s that are assigned to the wing. Apart from the 2,750 Air Force members stationed at Kunsan Air Base, it also employs 158 Army soldiers, 28 U.S. civilians and more than 420 local national appropriated and non-appropriated employees. The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. The Kunsan physical therapy office treats musculoskeletal conditions to include sports injuries, chronic issues and postoperative rehabilitation. Sudden media attention became focused on the 8th TFW and Robin Olds following Bolo. Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea -- Members of the Wolf Pack bid farewell to Col. John Wolf 2 Caldwell, 8th Fighter Wing vice commander after completing his Established in Japan shortly after WWII, the 8th Fighter Wing went through varying operations as fighter-interceptor and fighter-bomber wings, first providing air defense for the islands and then flying combat missions during the Korean War. In the period leading up to the Vietnam Conflict, the 80th was one of the first units to send pilots and planes to Thailand where they would fly missions against North Vietnam. Aforementioned 3rd Bombardment Wing returned to Japan at the end of the Korean Conflict. 8th The 8th Mission Support Group is tasked with supporting the base with civil engineering, communications, base defense, services, logistic readiness and overall mission support. , . When the 80th was attached to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, the unit became the first to fly jet aircraft in combat. After photographing many military exercises in Europe over the years, Peter decided to spend the last 15 years visiting Asia and the USA. It stands ready to conduct counter-air, air interdiction and close air support in both day and night conditions. It was the start of the most impactful and far-reaching assignment of his 30-year USAF career. WebU.S. 8th OSS forecasting the fight > Pacific Air Forces > Article Display G. Shoemaker once mentioned: The ironclad alliance between the US and Republic of Korea is evident in everything we do. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. (Maj.) Tanviben Patel, 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron public health flight commander, inspects food at the dining facility on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 24, 2023. Beyond the initial distribution of medication, the pharmacys mission is comprised of several programs such as walk-in treatment for acute issues expedited by a pharmacist after a brief visit, smoking cessation and assisting Airmen with translating and filling prescriptions from off-base providers. After receiving the first phase of one of the largest modernization efforts in U.S. Air Force F-16 program history, an upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcon rejoined the 8th On September 30, 1966, Col. Robin Olds took official charge of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon RTAFB, near Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. Thats the 8th Fighter Wings motto, nicknamed the Wolf Pack. In the spring of 1967, North Vietnam put a bounty of $25,000 on Col. Olds' head, payable to any pilot who could shoot down and hopefully cause the high-visibility capture of the North's "most-wanted" enemy. The 8th TFW pilots (mostly in their early to mid-twenties) looked with distrust at this "old" guy who hadn't flown combat since WWII. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. (Maj.) Joshua Dalzell (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron (HCOS) pharmacist, assists Staff Sgt. We can produce forecasts all day, but if nobody uses them, that's kind of pointless, Verleur finished. It was in 1972 when the 35th moved to Kunsan Air Base to fly the F-4 Phantom. The need for strong air arm was recognized by American defense officials and the squadron was reconstituted in 1932, re-designated the 35th Pursuit Squadron. The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. We hone our craft and ensure our readiness to deter attack. (Eagle). North Koreas state media said that the drill pushes the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war. Wolf Pack tail no. The F-100s were eventually replaced by F-105 Thunderchiefs in 1963 and the squadron moved to Yokota Air Base, Japan. Met by a large group of Pentagon officials, journalists, and photographers, he embraced his wife and daughters before posing for photos. Nicole Saulovich-Rogan (top), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron physical therapist, provides care to a patient at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 24, 2023. So, he obeyed orders in his own fashion, by choosing to fly within a flight of F-4s, not leading as #1, and he passed off MiGs he spotted for his flight members to down. The following day, a cartoon appeared in newspapers around the country, showing LBJ holding his fainting Official Vietnam Line, admonished by a scolding, heavily-medaled and mustachioed old fighter pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Maj. Brock McNabb (left), 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (OMRS) mental health flight commander, laughs with Tech. As part of a reorganization program, the 80th TFS was re-designated the 80th FS and re-assigned to the TFW. Katchi Kapshida! An alliance 70 years strong 8 . (Click to play). Four F-16s take to the South Korean skies with afterburners. It was in September 1974 that the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was assigned to Kunsan Air Base. In November, 1966, the 8th TFW hosted a tactics conference designed to bring combat pilots throughout SEA together to exchange information and foster teamwork. 8th Fighter Wing [8th FW] - globalsecurity.org Their major goal: Making the 8th FW & 7th AF commanders feel that they were a viable asset and of great support to the active duty squadrons. However, at the start of the Korean Conflict in July 1950, North Korean forces occupied Kunsan Air Base. To quote the 176th EFS Commander: The TSP is part of the Air Forces long-term initiatives to provide extra security in places where we need it.. This included the P-40 and P-38 Lightning, accounting for 124 kills during missions. 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. 70 . https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1198sweep/), NMUSAF PR Video: Robin speaking of his love for his ground crews. This battalion is equipped with Patriot Advanced Capability, or PAC-3, missiles. . The U.S. Army recaptured the base, together with Kunsan City, two months later. Sgt. To quote the 176th EFS Commander: In order to provide you with the best possible experience on our website, we use cookies. The mental health clinic at Kunsan has implemented a frontline care strategy to be more accessible to base personnel by meeting them where they work. The 8th Fighter Wing renders a salute during the 8th FW change of command at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 1, 2021. It was originally an aircraft maintenance squadron, as the unit served in France from 1917 to 1919. All rights reserved Aviation Photography Digest, 2023. This ensures the bases protection against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Public health officers manage programs that focus on the following: food safety and public facility sanitation, disease surveillance and prevention, force health management and medical readiness, vector surveillance and entomology, and occupational and environmental health. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. A variety of Air Base Groups and Squadrons operated and maintained the base in the decades after the Korean Conflict. December also began the planning for Operation BOLO, a tactic to disguise flights of F-4s as F-105s, which were flying bombing missions so routine (as ordered by Washington) that North Vietnamese MiGs and SAM missles easily shot them out of the sky. During the early morning BOLO briefing on January 2nd, 1967, Robin Olds, inspired by his WWII group commander, Col. Hub Zemke and his notorious 56th FG Wolf Pack, urged his 8th Wing pilots with a rallying cry, "Go get 'em Wolf Pack!". (For detailed description of Operation Bolo, see: MiG Sweep by Walter Boyne, November 1, 1998 They were joined by 79 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force, flying top cover for the Wing in F-86s. It was April 1951 that the 27th Air Base Group became the first Air Force unit assigned to the base. Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. WebBy the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. All military members live on base in dormitories. WebKunsan Air Base is home to the 8th Fighter Wing which is known as the Wolf Pack, a nickname given during the command of Colonel Robin Olds back in 1966. F-16 F-35B, F-22 . The first operational squadrons in place at Ubon in the early months of 1966 were the 433rd and the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. It was mainly tasked with escorting light to medium bombers and ground support attacks. For training purpose with the 80th FW, multiple of their F-16s were present at Kunsan Air Base during my visit here. The squadron moved to Okinawa in August 1944, where it saw immediate action, flying missions against the Japanese mainland. It is rather strange to be here, maybe its just me but you can feel the tension. WebThe Official Website of the 908th Airlift Wing. The 8th Medical Group is tasked with managing the medical clinic, offering flight & general medicine, dentistry and military public health services. The 35th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, the Wolf Pack. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. Forces in May of 2017. Such language is typical in North Korean propaganda because the country claims US-South Korean drills are preparation for invasion. ( ! Washington quickly ordered him not to lead any more missions over North Vietnam and Robin, in turn, did not want to be sent home to endure the hoopla of getting his fifth MiG and becoming an "Ace". He regularly writes books for Veldhuis Media Group. It is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art ordnance. Weve developed our ability to train and fight together through RED FLAGs and our Peninsula-wide exercises MAX THUNDER and VIGILANT ACE. The 35th flew the P-12, PB-2, A-17 and P-36 out of Langley Field, Virginia. Due to close cooperation of both ROKAF and USAF forces, their capabilities have improved exponentially. This enables day or night, all weather capabilities. Its heritage dates back as far as June of 1917, when the unit was established as 35th Aero Squadron. Robin arrived on September 23, 1966 to find squadrons demoralized by mounting losses of pilots and aircraft due to enemy MiG forces, surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) units and multiple early warning radar systems. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017. December also began the planning for Operation BOLO, a tactic to disguise flights of F-4s as F-105s, which were flying bombing missions so routine (as ordered by Washington) that North Vietnamese MiGs and SAM missles easily shot them out of the sky. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), An official website of the United States government, SLIDESHOW | 0 images | BSC: Looking after the Wolf Pack, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The five-day drill, named Vigilant Ace, is meant to improve the allies wartime capabilities and preparedness, South Koreas defense ministry said. From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, Accessibility team build foundation Upgraded F-16 rejoins 8th FW > Tinker Air Force Base > It was part of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Theater Security Package (TSP) which, on a routine basis, deploys fighter aircraft to the U.S. Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces. Kunsan AB | Base Overview & Info The 8th Operation Group trains and equips the 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons (nicknames: Pantons and Juvats) in order to conduct air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. Sofia Shank, 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron lab and ambulance services flight commander, handles blood samples at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. One photograph in particular showed his youngest daughter, Susan, playfully mimicking her father's mustache with a strand of long hair above her upper lip. Vincent Antwi, 8th HCOS pharmacy technician, in taking inventory at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. Different deployments of the United States Air Force frequently visit South-Korea. 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - National Museum of the United States Wolf Pack 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - ROBIN OLDS The 80th Fighter Squadrons vision is to lead the combat air forces as the most lethal fighter squadron of motivated, expertly trained warriors focused on the defense of the Republic of Korea, in order to maintain regional stability in the Pacific. Air Force Chief of Staff, General John P. McConnell, ordered him to shave off his mustache before starting his new job as Commandant at the Air Force Academy in order to be a proper influence on cadets. The 80th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and get notified when new articles are published. This includes intermediate level aircraft maintenance, component repair and maintenance training. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. The Badgers took part in two large-scale exercises during their three months in Korea, working together with the active 80th & 35th FS. Pictured here are revetments and F-4s of the 8th TFW at Ubon, Hammer is a BEE officer by trade and now leads one of the two squadrons containing biomedical service corps personnel at the 8th Fighter Wing. This ranged from striking the enemys front line to missions deep behind the lines to hit supply routes, bridges, build-ups and heavy troop concentrations. WebFind 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - Wolf Pack unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- After receiving the first phase of one of the largest modernization efforts in U.S. Air Force F-16 program history, an upgraded It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. When the president asked how he proposed he should do that, Robin replied, "It's simple! December of 2017 saw their biggest cooperated air exercise so far. While touring SEA bases with his USO troupe, comedian Bob Hope characterized the 8th TFW as "the largest distributor of MiG parts in all of Southeast Asia." A warm welcome was felt in a time of heightened tension. The Squadron flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon out of Kunsan Air Base and is assigned to the Wolf Pack (8th Fighter Wing). Following the wars end, they moved to Fukuoka Air Base in Japan to fly the P-51 Mustang. It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Block 40 F-16s were received in 2000, these aircraft carried Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pods, enabling the Wolf Pack to take the fight into the night. Chris Drager (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron physical therapist, guides a patient lifting weights at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. . As the family left together in an Air Force staff car, Robin was informed he had to report immediately to his boss in the Pentagon, followed by a visit to the White House. Approximately 250 Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fighter Squadron from Colorado Air National Guard Base were stationed here. Contents of this website may not be used without prior written permission. The 35th Fighter Squadrons mission is to provide combat-ready F-16 C/D fighter aircraft to conduct air operations throughout the Pacific. The TSP demonstrated the U.S. commitment to stability and security in the region but also ensures that the Wolf Pack remains ready to Fight Tonight.