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. (Capt.) It is part of the Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017. The 35th flew the P-12, PB-2, A-17 and P-36 out of Langley Field, Virginia. WebBy the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. It scored the final American aerial victories of the war on the 14th of August, 1945. It was mainly tasked with escorting light to medium bombers and ground support attacks. Its heritage dates back as far as June of 1917, when the unit was established as 35th Aero Squadron. The 35th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, the Wolf Pack. It was originally an aircraft maintenance squadron, as the unit served in France from 1917 to 1919. Something which is extremely important in hostile times like these. Both meetings were contentious. Memorabilia at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. WebThe Official Website of the 908th Airlift Wing. Just win it!" Vincent Antwi, 8th HCOS pharmacy technician, in taking inventory at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. The 8th Fighter Wing serves as the bases host unit and falls under the Seventh Air Force at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Approximately 250 Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fighter Squadron from Colorado Air National Guard Base were stationed here. the capability of the ROKAF/USAF has improved exponentially. Conversion was completed in 2001. The Squadron flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon out of Kunsan Air Base and is assigned to the Wolf Pack (8th Fighter Wing). (Capt.) The Kunsan physical therapy office treats musculoskeletal conditions to include sports injuries, chronic issues and postoperative rehabilitation. Defend the base, accept follow-on forces, take the flight north. After photographing many military exercises in Europe over the years, Peter decided to spend the last 15 years visiting Asia and the USA. The squadron performs a wide variety of activities such as air-and-space control, counter air, strategic attack, interdiction and close-air support missions. 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. (For detailed description of Operation Bolo, see: MiG Sweep by Walter Boyne, November 1, 1998 It was the start of the most impactful and far-reaching assignment of his 30-year USAF career. 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/. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. The 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron joined later in June 1967. 25 1951 We go together! The 80th Fighter Squadron was activated during WWII, in 1942, as the 80th Pursuit Squadron at Mitchell Field, NY. It was later re-designated the 8th Fighter Wing in 1992. About the presence of U.S. forces at Kunsan, the 8th FW Commander Col. David. 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 The first assigned aircraft wing at Kunsan was the 3rd Bombardment Wing, on August 22, 1951. It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. 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". It is one of two 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. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. 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. Even though operations differ between National Guard, Reserve and active duty units, the advantage for the 176th turned out to be experienced instructor pilots. In December, Robin brought over his former Director of Operations from the 81st FW at RAF Bentwaters, Col. Daniel "Chappie" James, to be his DO, and later, vice-wing commander at Ubon. 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. 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. 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. Sgt. Its mission includes air interdiction, close air support, 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. 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 legend of The Wolf Pack had begun. Less than a year later, on 1 July 1958, the Air Force redesignated the wing as the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. During its tenure at Itazuke, the wing flew several different aircraft, including the North American F-86 Sabre, North American F-100 Super Sabre, Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, and Republic F-105 Thunderchief . Robin Olds, leading the first of three flights of F-4s, scored the first MiG of his tour. 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 The Squadrons first active combat mission was flown from Port Moresby, New Guinea, on July of the same year. 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. It was in September 1974 that the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was assigned to Kunsan Air Base. Pictured here are revetments and F-4s of the 8th TFW at Ubon, Met by a large group of Pentagon officials, journalists, and photographers, he embraced his wife and daughters before posing for photos. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. 70 . As part of a reorganization program, the 80th TFS was re-designated the 80th FS and re-assigned to the TFW. 021 returned to 8th FW operations after about seven weeks away for maintenance, where the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centers Post Block Integration Team project, provided the aircraft with the first wave of 22 modifications designed to improve F-16 lethality to meet the needs of current and future operations. 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. 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. 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. Four F-16s take to the South Korean skies with afterburners. The lab at the 8th MDG is uniquely trained in lifesaving emergency blood procedures and detection of bioterrorism agents in support of wartime operations. https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1198sweep/), NMUSAF PR Video: Robin speaking of his love for his ground crews. 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. Such language is typical in North Korean propaganda because the country claims US-South Korean drills are preparation for invasion. This includes intermediate level aircraft maintenance, component repair and maintenance training. "The Bad Boy Commander of Operation Bolo" by Don Hollway, https://www.historynet.com/bad-boy-commander-operation-bolo/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_vietnammag&fbclid=IwAR17gJAgwiaEG6Phyc-gDIMcVFSYYapttd8Z3f7OF8JIrf64prMQ_SKMusA, Today in Aviation History: Operation Bolo, https://warbirdsnews.com/warbird-articles/today-in-aviation-history-operation-bolo.html, Aces & Aerial Victories, US Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965-1973:https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001329821/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-010.pdf, The Robin Olds Factor; Air Force magazine June 1, 2008.https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0608olds/. The five-day drill, named Vigilant Ace, is meant to improve the allies wartime capabilities and preparedness, South Koreas defense ministry said. The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. Martina Shannon-Young, 8th OMRS mental health technician, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (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-. Copyright 2012-2023 Aviation Photography Digest. F-16 F-35B, F-22 . This was the first of over 200 victories ever since. As part of a reorganization program, the 80, Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. 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. KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea Although aircraft assigned to the 80th and 35th Fighter have left Kunsan for the duration 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. Peter has written books about NAS Fallon, Red Flag and the Japanese Airforce. WebThe nickname of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing -- the Wolfpack -- fit Robin Olds aggressive style. The 8th Fighter Wing wears its heritage proudly: the famed Wolf Pack of Robin Olds. However, at the start of the Korean Conflict in July 1950, North Korean forces occupied Kunsan Air Base. Its not like any other base that Ive visited, less relaxed maybe. From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. 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. This enables day or night, all weather capabilities. 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. Generations of U.S. Air Force members have aspired to become members of the Wolf Pack (8th Fighter Wing), to be stationed at Kunsan and for the opportunity to get after the mission with our ROK brothers and sisters. The legend of the maverick Robin Olds had been fully born. The 8th Fighter Wing renders a salute during the 8th FW change of command at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 1, 2021. The base is established on the west coast of When U.S. forces left Korea in 1949, the base was turned over to the Republic of Korea Air Force. 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. The legend of 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. Original material featuring air forces from around the world, High quality photographs tell the visual story. Kadena Air Base, Japan, saw the deployment of U.S. It is tasked with conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions with the 45 F-16s that are assigned to the wing. , . The 35th changed base multiple times throughout Korea, including Pyongyang, flying the F-80 Shooting Star (and later the F-86 Sabre). 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. WebU.S. The squadron accounted for 225 enemy aircraft destroyed during the course of the war, receiving 10 battle honors and three Distinguished Unit Citations. 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.. They were joined by 79 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force, flying top cover for the Wing in F-86s. (Henry Jeffress) 70 . ( ! They have also been stationed in The Netherlands, East Indies and the Philippines. 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. The Trojan Horse ruse of Operation BOLO succeeded in downing seven MiG -21s in a fierce aerial battle lasting twelve minutes. (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. December of 2017 saw their biggest cooperated air exercise so far. 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. Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. On September 30, 1966, Col. Robin Olds took official charge of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon RTAFB, near Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. Rotational Deployment in Korea of the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing was completed on November 8, 2017. The 8th Mission Support Group is tasked with supporting the base with civil engineering, communications, base defense, services, logistic readiness and overall mission support. 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. . The aircrews' initial scepticism quickly turned to respect for the "old guy's" leadership style and obvious proficiency in the F-4. Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. Robin would go on to shoot down a total of four MiGs during 1967, and the Wolf Pack downed a total of 24 enemy aircraft under his command between January 2, 1967 and September 23rd that year. Members of the Air Force bioenvironmental engineering career field work to ensure healthy and safe working conditions for Airmen through the management and monitoring of various programs such as industrial hygiene, radiological health and environmental protection. Assignment to the installation at Kunsan Air Base is typically a one-year unaccompanied tour, meaning members are assigned to the installation without their families. During the second half of 2017, the 118th Fighter Wing was stationed here for several months. It was April 1951 that the 27th Air Base Group became the first Air Force unit assigned to the base. (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. Here at Kunsan Air Base, we train with the 38th Fighter Group of the ROKAF. The first airbase where he photographed was Soesterberg, Netherlands where the 32 TFS was stationed with the F-15. 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. This is done to provide a deterrent against threats for both security and stability in the region. To quote the 176th EFS Commander: In order to provide you with the best possible experience on our website, we use cookies. The 80th flew its final combat mission of WWII in August of 1945, during which the squadron commander was shot down. Thats the 8th Fighter Wings motto, nicknamed the Wolf Pack. The 80th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. 8th OSS forecasting the fight. The cumulative losses forced the North Vietnamese Air Force to ground their remaining aircraft, reassess tactics and retrain crews for four full months. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and get notified when new articles are published. It was in 1972 when the 35th moved to Kunsan Air Base to fly the F-4 Phantom. Chris Drager (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron physical therapist, guides a patient lifting weights at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. If you continue to browse we will assume your permission to use cookies. Seventh Air Force falls under The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. The U.S. Army recaptured the base, together with Kunsan City, two months later. 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. All military members live on base in dormitories. By the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. 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. 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. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/change-of-command-49712/. 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. 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. 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. Kunsan AFB and its 8th FW is home to more than 2,800 active-duty personnel, mostly U.S. Air Force (2750) but also U.S. Army (185), U.S. DoD civilians (28), Korean nationals (450) and family members (50-100). We hone our craft and ensure our readiness to deter attack. (Click to play). 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. The 8th Fighter Wing consists of four groups, each carrying the responsibility for the wings operations, maintenance, support & medical functions. 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. This battalion is equipped with Patriot Advanced Capability, or PAC-3, missiles. She became the first to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1981, together with its sister squadron; the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron. This was done with the aforementioned F-80 Shooting Star. 1966 . (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. Our goal is the same: peace on the peninsula. WebFind 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - Wolf Pack unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. The squadron moved to Okinawa in August 1944, where it saw immediate action, flying missions against the Japanese mainland. 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. All rights reserved. Wolf Pack tail no. It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. 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. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. 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 24 of its pilots (Head Hunters) became aces, of which Captain Richard L. Bong became the American ace-of-aces. They oversaw the bases reconstruction. 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. Later the same week, Wolf Pack F-4s again engaged the enemy, knocking down another two MiGs. 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. 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!". This was done from Itazuke Air Base, Japan. But if called upon to defend our neighbors and allies, may God have mercy on the Wolf Packs prey.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. 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 The 8th Maintenance Group is tasked with the daily flying and maintenance operations. It is rather strange to be here, maybe its just me but you can feel the tension. 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. 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. It stands ready to conduct counter-air, air interdiction and close air support in both day and night conditions. Peter van den Berg is from Coevorden, Netherlands. From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. 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. (Train Together), (Fly Together), (Go Together), An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The 80th was stationed at various bases during the battle for Korea, where it remained in continuous combat during the entire conflict. 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. It is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art ordnance. All rights reserved Aviation Photography Digest, 2023. G. Shoemaker once mentioned: The ironclad alliance between the US and Republic of Korea is evident in everything we do.
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