It is one of two 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. 8th OSS forecasting the fight > Pacific Air Forces > Article Display Special thanks to Kunsan AFB Public Affairs for making this visit possible. 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 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 was the start of several Air Force units stationing at Kunsan AB. 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. The legend of the maverick Robin Olds had been fully born. 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. 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. 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 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 airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. 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. 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. Flying the P-39, it scored its first victory within a month when it engaged and destroyed six enemy aircraft. 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 . For training purpose with the 80th FW, multiple of their F-16s were present at Kunsan Air Base during my visit here. 1966 . ) . 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. The Badgers took part in two large-scale exercises during their three months in Korea, working together with the active 80th & 35th FS. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. The 8th Fighter Wing serves as the bases host unit and falls under the Seventh Air Force at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Defend the base, accept follow-on forces, take the flight north. Kunsan Air Base: The Den of the Wolf Pack - Aviation The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. (Henry Jeffress) 70 . It scored the final American aerial victories of the war on the 14th of August, 1945. Its mission includes air interdiction, close air support, 908th Airlift Wing > Home Feel free to contact us using the form below: Late October, its around 70F and slightly foggy. It was April 1951 that the 27th Air Base Group became the first Air Force unit assigned to the base. It is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art ordnance. The mental health clinic is made up of both officers and enlisted personnel, who can teach and treat patients under their commissioned counterparts licenses. The 80th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing. Met by a large group of Pentagon officials, journalists, and photographers, he embraced his wife and daughters before posing for photos. The lab at the 8th MDG is uniquely trained in lifesaving emergency blood procedures and detection of bioterrorism agents in support of wartime operations. 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. Hundreds of aircraft including two dozen stealth jets began training as the United States and South Korea launched a massive combined air force exercise. Its not like any other base that Ive visited, less relaxed maybe. It was originally an aircraft maintenance squadron, as the unit served in France from 1917 to 1919. The Kunsan physical therapy office treats musculoskeletal conditions to include sports injuries, chronic issues and postoperative rehabilitation. It is part of the Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. (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. 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. 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. Approximately 250 Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fighter Squadron from Colorado Air National Guard Base were stationed here. Kunsan AB | Base Overview & Info To quote the 176th EFS Commander: In order to provide you with the best possible experience on our website, we use cookies. 8 (Robin Olds) . . 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. 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), Maj. Brock McNabb (left), 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (OMRS) mental health flight commander, laughs with Tech. Such language is typical in North Korean propaganda because the country claims US-South Korean drills are preparation for invasion. 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. (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 here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. Martina Shannon-Young, 8th OMRS mental health technician, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. The Trojan Horse ruse of Operation BOLO succeeded in downing seven MiG -21s in a fierce aerial battle lasting twelve minutes. The legend of 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 aircrews' initial scepticism quickly turned to respect for the "old guy's" leadership style and obvious proficiency in the F-4. Seventh Air Force falls under He regularly writes books for Veldhuis Media Group. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. 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. The 8th Mission Support Group is tasked with supporting the base with civil engineering, communications, base defense, services, logistic readiness and overall mission support. 8th Fighter Wing | Military Wiki | Fandom 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. The base also houses the U.S. Armys 2nd Batallion, 1st Air Defense Artillery. We can produce forecasts all day, but if nobody uses them, that's kind of pointless, Verleur finished. The 35th flew the P-12, PB-2, A-17 and P-36 out of Langley Field, Virginia. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and get notified when new articles are published. Contents of this website may not be used without prior written permission. Vincent Antwi, 8th HCOS pharmacy technician, in taking inventory at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. 8th Fighter Wing [8th FW] - globalsecurity.org This was the first of over 200 victories ever since. We hone our craft and ensure our readiness to deter attack. 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. This battalion is equipped with Patriot Advanced Capability, or PAC-3, missiles. 8th OSS forecasting the fight. On September 30, 1966, Col. Robin Olds took official charge of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon RTAFB, near Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. 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. Its mission is to be prepared to execute immediate air combat operations against any aggressors threatening the United States or the Republic of Korea. This iconic mustache became the visible symbol of the fighting spirit of the Wolf Pack and its renegade leader. Upgraded F-16 rejoins 8th FW > Tinker Air Force Base > 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. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. After photographing many military exercises in Europe over the years, Peter decided to spend the last 15 years visiting Asia and the USA. The first assigned aircraft wing at Kunsan was the 3rd Bombardment Wing, on August 22, 1951. WebU.S. 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. Rotational Deployment in Korea of the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing was completed on November 8, 2017. 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. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. As part of a reorganization program, the 80th TFS was re-designated the 80th FS and re-assigned to the TFW. 25 1951 We go together! 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!". Wolf Pack tail no. When the 80th was attached to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, the unit became the first to fly jet aircraft in combat. WebThe nickname of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing -- the Wolfpack -- fit Robin Olds aggressive style. 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. This is done to provide a deterrent against threats for both security and stability in the region. The Squadrons first active combat mission was flown from Port Moresby, New Guinea, on July of the same year. Wolf Pack welcomes Wolf 61 > Pacific Air Forces > 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. WebThe Official Website of the 908th Airlift Wing. Conversion was completed in 2001. 38 70 . Robin Olds, leading the first of three flights of F-4s, scored the first MiG of his tour. But if called upon to defend our neighbors and allies, may God have mercy on the Wolf Packs prey.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. Both meetings were contentious. The U.S. Army recaptured the base, together with Kunsan City, two months later. 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 North Koreas state media said that the drill pushes the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war. Weve developed our ability to train and fight together through RED FLAGs and our Peninsula-wide exercises MAX THUNDER and VIGILANT ACE. 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. 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". Pictured here are revetments and F-4s of the 8th TFW at Ubon, It was mainly tasked with escorting light to medium bombers and ground support attacks. 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. (Capt.) TWS is the largest online Peter has written books about NAS Fallon, Red Flag and the Japanese Airforce. Sudden media attention became focused on the 8th TFW and Robin Olds following Bolo. Together they formed a legendary team known as "Blackman and Robin". The 35th changed base multiple times throughout Korea, including Pyongyang, flying the F-80 Shooting Star (and later the F-86 Sabre). F-16 F-35B, F-22 . During the second half of 2017, the 118th Fighter Wing was stationed here for several months. The Squadron flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon out of Kunsan Air Base and is assigned to the Wolf Pack (8th Fighter Wing). Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. 8th When the president asked how he proposed he should do that, Robin replied, "It's simple! A warm welcome was felt in a time of heightened tension. 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. 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. (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 80th Fighter Squadron was activated during WWII, in 1942, as the 80th Pursuit Squadron at Mitchell Field, NY. Chris Drager (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron physical therapist, guides a patient lifting weights at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea Although aircraft assigned to the 80th and 35th Fighter have left Kunsan for the duration 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. We enjoy friendships at a personal level while providing for the collective defense of the peninsula and the region. 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. It was during this period that a new 5,000ft runway was built. The 35th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, the Wolf Pack. 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). If you continue to browse we will assume your permission to use cookies. (Operation BOLO) Wolf Pack( ) . The 80th flew its final combat mission of WWII in August of 1945, during which the squadron commander was shot down. This ensures the bases protection against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. 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. 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. The unit was, among others, based in Australia and New Guinea. It was, upon its return to the United States, demobilized during the American disarmament. Wolf Pack When U.S. forces left Korea in 1949, the base was turned over to the Republic of Korea Air Force. Something which is extremely important in hostile times like these. It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. 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. (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 squadron started flying F-100s after the Korean War had ended. The first airbase where he photographed was Soesterberg, Netherlands where the 32 TFS was stationed with the F-15. The 35th Fighter Squadrons mission is to provide combat-ready F-16 C/D fighter aircraft to conduct air operations throughout the Pacific. The base is established on the west coast of the country, close to Gunsan City. I am standing in front of Kunsan Air Base, waiting for the Public Affairs Officer. 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. WebBy the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. (Click to play). 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 WebThe 8th Fighter Wing is responsible for conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions in the 45 F-16s assigned to the wing. 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 1972 when the 35th moved to Kunsan Air Base to fly the F-4 Phantom. As mentioned, its first combat base was in New Guinea, after which it moved through Borneo and the Celebes Islands. The 35. 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. 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. . Memorabilia at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. The 8th Maintenance Group is tasked with the daily flying and maintenance operations. This includes intermediate level aircraft maintenance, component repair and maintenance training. They have also been stationed in The Netherlands, East Indies and the Philippines. 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. Peter van den Berg is from Coevorden, Netherlands. 8 (Wolf) . Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. John Caldwell | Stripes As part of a reorganization program, the 80, Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. The five-day drill, named Vigilant Ace, is meant to improve the allies wartime capabilities and preparedness, South Koreas defense ministry said. ( ! 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. The squadron performs a wide variety of activities such as air-and-space control, counter air, strategic attack, interdiction and close-air support missions. Original material featuring air forces from around the world, High quality photographs tell the visual story. 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. 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. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. The F-100s were eventually replaced by F-105 Thunderchiefs in 1963 and the squadron moved to Yokota Air Base, Japan. Kadena Air Base, Japan, saw the deployment of U.S. All rights reserved Aviation Photography Digest, 2023. Wolf Pack It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. 24 of its pilots (Head Hunters) became aces, of which Captain Richard L. Bong became the American ace-of-aces. 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. Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. 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 80th was stationed at various bases during the battle for Korea, where it remained in continuous combat during the entire conflict. The 8th Medical Group is tasked with managing the medical clinic, offering flight & general medicine, dentistry and military public health services. (Capt.) 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. In November, 1966, the 8th TFW hosted a tactics conference designed to bring combat pilots throughout SEA together to exchange information and foster teamwork. 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. 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. 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. They were joined by 79 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force, flying top cover for the Wing in F-86s. 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 airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. 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. 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - National Museum of the United States Wolf Pack welcomes Wolf 61. 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. It stands ready to conduct counter-air, air interdiction and close air support in both day and night conditions.