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. The Squadron flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon out of Kunsan Air Base and is assigned to the Wolf Pack (8th Fighter Wing). The aircrews' initial scepticism quickly turned to respect for the "old guy's" leadership style and obvious proficiency in the F-4. Sudden media attention became focused on the 8th TFW and Robin Olds following Bolo. (For detailed description of Operation Bolo, see: MiG Sweep by Walter Boyne, November 1, 1998, Aces & Aerial Victories, US Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965-. The U.S. Army recaptured the base, together with Kunsan City, two months later. The 35. It is part of the Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Peter van den Berg is from Coevorden, Netherlands. In the spring and summer of 1966, before the arrival of Col. Robin Olds, the 555th and the 476th Tactical Fighter Squadrons joined the 8th TFW. WebFind 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - Wolf Pack unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. Approximately 250 Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fighter Squadron from Colorado Air National Guard Base were stationed here. 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. Just win it!" With Kunsan maintaining a constant state of readiness, these professionals are extra sharp in delivering trusted care, improving the 8th Fighter Wings health and underwriting the Wolf Packs lethality. 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. Peter has written books about NAS Fallon, Red Flag and the Japanese Airforce. 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. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017. Theres not much going on, which is fairly unusual for an Air Force Base at 8 a.m. Only a few vehicles arrive and depart, some of them being thoroughly checked. They oversaw the bases reconstruction. If you continue to browse we will assume your permission to use cookies. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. This goes to show the tension and threat, something that I certainly felt during my time at Kunsan. 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. 24 of its pilots (Head Hunters) became aces, of which Captain Richard L. Bong became the American ace-of-aces. This includes intermediate level aircraft maintenance, component repair and maintenance training. The 80th continues to support the United States in Korea with the same pride and excellence instilled in the squadron from the Headhunters of the past. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. The 35th flew the P-12, PB-2, A-17 and P-36 out of Langley Field, Virginia. To quote the 176th EFS Commander: In order to provide you with the best possible experience on our website, we use cookies. Four F-16s take to the South Korean skies with afterburners. (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. Defend the base, accept follow-on forces, take the flight north. The Robin Olds Factor; Air Force magazine June 1, 2008. https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1198sweep/, https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001329821/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-010.pdf, https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0608olds/. As part of a reorganization program, the 80, Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. Pictured here are revetments and F-4s of the 8th TFW at Ubon, Rotational Deployment in Korea of the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing was completed on November 8, 2017. . (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. The Armys 2nd Battalion, the 1st Air Defense Artillery, consists of the Charlie and Delta missile batteries. In October 1969, 7th Air Force chose the 8th TFW for a night Fast FAC assignment flying interdiction against the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Flying under the call sign "Night Owl", the FACs dropped flares to illuminate air strikes against chokepoints along the Trail. The legend of 8 (Wolf) . This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. (August 2015) The United States Air Force 8th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea and is assigned to Seventh Air Force. The squadron moved to Okinawa in August 1944, where it saw immediate action, flying missions against the Japanese mainland. The lab at the 8th MDG is uniquely trained in lifesaving emergency blood procedures and detection of bioterrorism agents in support of wartime operations. Built in 1938 by the Japanese as a fighter-interceptor base, Kunsan AB became the home of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group at the end of WWII. G. Shoemaker once mentioned: The ironclad alliance between the US and Republic of Korea is evident in everything we do. Together they formed a legendary team known as "Blackman and Robin". Hundreds of aircraft including two dozen stealth jets began training as the United States and South Korea launched a massive combined air force exercise. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. The squadron started flying F-100s after the Korean War had ended. This week across the Air Force, Jan. 23-27, is Biomedical Sciences Corps (BSC) Appreciation Week, a week to highlight the men and women who comprise the BSC and all that they bring to the fight. Published April 6, 2023 By Senior Airman Shannon Braaten, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs KUNSAN AIR BASE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA The Wolf Pack welcomed Pacific Air Forces Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Mr. Anthony Cruz Unoz at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 5-6, 2023. F-16 F-35B, F-22 . Something which is extremely important in hostile times like these. (Capt.) WebThe 8th Fighter Wing "Wolf Pack", comprised of the 35th Fighter Squadron "Pantons" and the 80th Fighter Squadron "Juvats", performs both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions In November, 1966, the 8th TFW hosted a tactics conference designed to bring combat pilots throughout SEA together to exchange information and foster teamwork. 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. The Kunsan physical therapy office treats musculoskeletal conditions to include sports injuries, chronic issues and postoperative rehabilitation. WebThe Official Website of the 908th Airlift Wing. (Train Together), (Fly Together), (Go Together), An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The 8th Fighter Wing wears its heritage proudly: the famed Wolf Pack of Robin Olds. It is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art ordnance. 1966 . Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. Copyright 2012-2023 Aviation Photography Digest. 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 Different deployments of the United States Air Force frequently visit South-Korea. The 80th Fighter Squadron was activated during WWII, in 1942, as the 80th Pursuit Squadron at Mitchell Field, NY. 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. When the 80, 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. 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!". . The first operational squadrons in place at Ubon in the early months of 1966 were the 433rd and the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. Such language is typical in North Korean propaganda because the country claims US-South Korean drills are preparation for invasion. As part of a reorganization program, the 80th TFS was re-designated the 80th FS and re-assigned to the TFW. TWS is the largest online New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, Special Purpose Military Aircraft Gallery, Kunsan Air Base: The Den of the Wolf Pack, About the presence of U.S. forces at Kunsan, the 8th FW Commander Col. David. WebBy the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. Entering combat in 1942 in the Pacific during WWII, another wide variety of aircraft were flown. As mentioned, its first combat base was in New Guinea, after which it moved through Borneo and the Celebes Islands. Aforementioned 3rd Bombardment Wing returned to Japan at the end of the Korean Conflict. The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. The 8th Fighter Wing renders a salute during the 8th FW change of command at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 1, 2021. 70 . (Capt.) https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1198sweep/), NMUSAF PR Video: Robin speaking of his love for his ground crews. By the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. When U.S. forces left Korea in 1949, the base was turned over to the Republic of Korea Air Force. (Henry Jeffress) 70 . This was the first of over 200 victories ever since. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. When the 80th was attached to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, the unit became the first to fly jet aircraft in combat. KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea Although aircraft assigned to the 80th and 35th Fighter have left Kunsan for the duration The meeting with President Lyndon Johnson was tense, as the combat weary colonel said, "Sir, with all due respect to you as my Commander-in-Chief, get us the hell out of this god-damned war!" Due to close cooperation of both ROKAF and USAF forces, their capabilities have improved exponentially. On April 8, 2022, the 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, said goodbye to its aging C-130H aircraft. Now the wing is working to transition to providing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter training, bringing together Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force Reserve Command for the first time. All 8th TFW squadrons flew F-4Cs until F-4Ds replaced the older aircraft in 1967. All rights reserved Aviation Photography Digest, 2023. 8 (Robin Olds) . Sgt. The 35th Fighter Squadrons mission is to provide combat-ready F-16 C/D fighter aircraft to conduct air operations throughout the Pacific. Martina Shannon-Young, 8th OMRS mental health technician, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. 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. Met by a large group of Pentagon officials, journalists, and photographers, he embraced his wife and daughters before posing for photos. This was done from Itazuke Air Base, Japan. The 35th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, the Wolf Pack. All military members live on base in dormitories. Its heritage dates back as far as June of 1917, when the unit was established as 35th Aero Squadron. 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." (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. Other associate units that operate from the Air Base, amongst others, are the American Red Cross, Army Contracting Command Korea, American Forces Network-Korea, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 613 and the U.S. Army 25th Transportation Battalion. The unit was, among others, based in Australia and New Guinea. From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. Forces in May of 2017. It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. The legend of the maverick Robin Olds had been fully born. The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. 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 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. But if called upon to defend our neighbors and allies, may God have mercy on the Wolf Packs prey.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. 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. December of 2017 saw their biggest cooperated air exercise so far. I am standing in front of Kunsan Air Base, waiting for the Public Affairs Officer. (Click to play). The squadron accounted for 225 enemy aircraft destroyed during the course of the war, receiving 10 battle honors and three Distinguished Unit Citations. Our goal is the same: peace on the peninsula. The five-day drill, named Vigilant Ace, is meant to improve the allies wartime capabilities and preparedness, South Koreas defense ministry said. Here at Kunsan Air Base, we train with the 38th Fighter Group of the ROKAF. Contents of this website may not be used without prior written permission. This was of great help to the eager and willing to learn Airmen of the 8th FW. The base also houses the U.S. Armys 2nd Batallion, 1st Air Defense Artillery. 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. Conversion was completed in 2001. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and get notified when new articles are published. He regularly writes books for Veldhuis Media Group. Special thanks to Kunsan AFB Public Affairs for making this visit possible. They have also been stationed in The Netherlands, East Indies and the Philippines. Examples of the services provided by the physical therapy clinic include posture and gait analysis, strengthening, stretching, joint manipulation, pre- and post-surgical orthopedic rehabilitation, and health and fitness information. This enables day or night, all weather capabilities. She became the first to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1981, together with its sister squadron; the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron. 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 Wing remained in Japan through the Cold War, briefly relocated to George AFB, CA in 1964, and then moved to Ubon RTAFB, Thailand in December, 1965. Flying the P-39, it scored its first victory within a month when it engaged and destroyed six enemy aircraft. 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. 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. Its not like any other base that Ive visited, less relaxed maybe. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. It was mainly tasked with escorting light to medium bombers and ground support attacks. About the presence of U.S. forces at Kunsan, the 8th FW Commander Col. David. It is one of two Redesignated the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and flying USAF's newest fighter aircraft, the F-4C Phantom, the wing joined other USAF, Navy and Marine bases in the SEA theater flying combat missions to North Vietnam. They were joined by 79 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force, flying top cover for the Wing in F-86s. ) . LeAnne Mullinax (right), 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron mental health element chief, engages with maintainers from the 80th Fighter Generation Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 26, 2023. A variety of Air Base Groups and Squadrons operated and maintained the base in the decades after the Korean Conflict. The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. Thats the 8th Fighter Wings motto, nicknamed the Wolf Pack. 8 . When the president asked how he proposed he should do that, Robin replied, "It's simple! The base is established on the west coast of the country, close to Gunsan City. (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. The mental health clinic is made up of both officers and enlisted personnel, who can teach and treat patients under their commissioned counterparts licenses. It was originally an aircraft maintenance squadron, as the unit served in France from 1917 to 1919. On September 30, 1966, Col. Robin Olds took official charge of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon RTAFB, near Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. 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. North Koreas state media said that the drill pushes the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war. Feel free to contact us using the form below: Late October, its around 70F and slightly foggy. WebThe nickname of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing -- the Wolfpack -- fit Robin Olds aggressive style. As the squadron was re-designated the 35th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) and moved to Mitchell Field, N.Y., they started flying the P-40 Warhawk. During the second half of 2017, the 118th Fighter Wing was stationed here for several months. The Trojan Horse ruse of Operation BOLO succeeded in downing seven MiG -21s in a fierce aerial battle lasting twelve minutes. 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.. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017. Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. The 8th Fighter Wing consists of four groups, each carrying the responsibility for the wings operations, maintenance, support & medical functions. (Eagle). Air Force Reserve Takes 75th Anniversary Celebration to Talladega This is a special day not only for the 70,000-plus Citizen 8th Fighter Wing KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- This week across the Air Force, Jan. 23-27, is Biomedical Sciences Corps (BSC) Appreciation Week, a week to highlight the men and women who comprise the 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 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. The squadron performs a wide variety of activities such as air-and-space control, counter air, strategic attack, interdiction and close-air support missions. Robin Olds, leading the first of three flights of F-4s, scored the first MiG of his tour. 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. The 80th was stationed at various bases during the battle for Korea, where it remained in continuous combat during the entire conflict. WebU.S. Seventh Air Force falls under After three days for a brief R&R in Hawaii, Col. Olds arrived home at Andrews AFB in Maryland, 40 pounds thinner and sporting his famous mustache. WebThe United States Air Force 8th Fighter Wing (8 FW) is the host unit at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea and is assigned to Seventh Air Force. After photographing many military exercises in Europe over the years, Peter decided to spend the last 15 years visiting Asia and the USA. The deployment became a great teaching opportunity, seeing that the guard had a lot of knowledge due to most of the crew having up to 20 years of experience. The 35th changed base multiple times throughout Korea, including Pyongyang, flying the F-80 Shooting Star (and later the F-86 Sabre). The Wolf Pack is the most tight-knit, lethal unit in the US Air Force, and the Airmen of the Wolf Pack are extremely skilled at their craft.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. Kadena Air Base, Japan, saw the deployment of U.S. This ensures the bases protection against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Memorabilia at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. The Squadrons first active combat mission was flown from Port Moresby, New Guinea, on July of the same year. The 8th Mission Support Group is tasked with supporting the base with civil engineering, communications, base defense, services, logistic readiness and overall mission support. We enjoy friendships at a personal level while providing for the collective defense of the peninsula and the region. 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. We hone our craft and ensure our readiness to deter attack. Air Force maintainers from the 8th Fighter Wing maneuver an F-16 Fighting Falcon into a hardened aircraft shelter during the Fiscal Year 2023 More 8FWPA Images 38 70 . The base is established on the west coast of Both meetings were contentious. The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. 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. Weve developed our ability to train and fight together through RED FLAGs and our Peninsula-wide exercises MAX THUNDER and VIGILANT ACE. 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. For training purpose with the 80th FW, multiple of their F-16s were present at Kunsan Air Base during my visit here. It was the start of the most impactful and far-reaching assignment of his 30-year USAF career. The first assigned aircraft wing at Kunsan was the 3rd Bombardment Wing, on August 22, 1951. (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. It was during this period that a new 5,000ft runway was built. The 80th flew its final combat mission of WWII in August of 1945, during which the squadron commander was shot down. The first airbase where he photographed was Soesterberg, Netherlands where the 32 TFS was stationed with the F-15. Its mission is to be prepared to execute immediate air combat operations against any aggressors threatening the United States or the Republic of Korea. Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. Regardless of the location of the 8th FW F-16 assets, Airmen at the 8th OSS weather flight continue to support the Wolf Packs flying mission. This iconic mustache became the visible symbol of the fighting spirit of the Wolf Pack and its renegade leader. By Senior Airman Shannon Braaten, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 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 fini-flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 25, 2023. Lt. Col. Elisa Bones Hammer, 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, checks in on a group of Airmen from the bio-environmental engineering (BEE) flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. It was in September 1974 that the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was assigned to Kunsan Air Base. In mid-January 1967, increasingly frustrated by missions planned and ordered by the White House and Pentagon brass back in Washington, Robin decided to grow a mustache deliberately out of limits, knowing it would inflame his bosses and inspire his crews.
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