Buddy Wing 16-2 takes flight over Osan skies

Pilots from the South Koreas air force’s 237th Fighter Squadron at Wonju Air Base watch an A-10 Thunderbolt II take off during Buddy Wing 16-2 on Osan Air Base, South Korea, Feb. 23, 2016. Buddy Wing 16-2 is the second in a series of joint training, combat exercises to be conducted during 2016 across the peninsula. The exercises strengthen the South Korean and U.S. alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

By Senior Airman Kristin High, 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- The 51st Fighter Wing hosted Buddy Wing 16-2 at Osan Air Base Feb. 22-25, showcasing Airmen from the 25th Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit.

South Korean air force pilots and maintainers from the 237th FS at Wonju Air Base, traveled to Osan AB in a continued effort to support the alliance.

“The Buddy Wing exercise creates an opportunity to share knowledge and discuss and improve processes that can be tactically developed by both (South Korean air force) KA-1 and U.S. Air Force A-10 (Thunderbolt II) pilots,” said Maj. Hwang, Jung-hwan, a 237th FS pilot. “This Buddy Wing will grant an opportunity for us to prepare and be ready to cope with unexpected situations we have never experienced in person by performing practical training where our (South Korean air force) may lack.”

Members participating in Buddy Wing 16-2 trained to build relationships and broaden their knowledge of working in a joint environment with continued training operations aimed at deterring enemy aggression.

U.S. Air Force A-10s from the 25th FS integrated with South Korean air force KA-1 Woongbi fighter aircraft from the 237th FS to perform close air support missions.

“Buddy Wing is conducted quarterly to integrate and conduct joint, combined missions,” said 1st Lt. Samantha Latch, a 25th FS A-10 pilot. “As we fly and train together, not only are we getting to know them, but we’re increasing our capability to work together.

After 62 years, the South Korean and U.S. alliance continues to be one of the longest standing and successful alliances in modern history. Exercises such as Buddy Wing, along with other combined operations and training events, add to the continued success.

“The exercise promotes mutual understanding and motivation to maintain a strong alliance between (South Korea) and U.S.,” Hwang said.

Buddy Wing 16-2 is the second in a series of joint training, combat exercises conducted in 2016 across the peninsula.

F-22 Raptors conduct show of force over South Korea

Four U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from Kadena Air Base, Japan, fly over the skies of South Korea, in response to recent provocative action by North Korea Feb. 17, 2016. The Raptors were joined by South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles and U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons. The F-22 is designed to project air dominance rapidly and at great distances and currently cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Dillian Bamman)

By 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- Four U.S. F-22 Raptors conducted a combined formation flight alongside South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons here to demonstrate the capabilities of both nations Feb. 17, in response to recent provocative actions by North Korea.

“The F-22 Raptor is the most capable air superiority fighter in the world, and it represents one of many capabilities available for the defense of this great nation. The U.S. maintains an ironclad commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea,” Lt. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the United Nations Command Korea and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander and U.S. 7th Air Force commander, told reporters.

Lt. Gen. Lee Wang-keon, the South Korea Air Force Operations Command commander, spoke about the strength of the alliance’s air combat capabilities during his brief remarks.

“The ROK and U.S. combined air forces remain ready to deter North Korean threats, and are postured to defeat them with the strength of our combined air combat capability,” Lee said.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Evans, the 36th Fighter Squadron commander, flew alongside the formation, showcasing Osan Air Base’s readiness mission.

“The combined nature of this flyover highlighted the high level of integration and interoperability between our two air forces, developed through decades of combined training,” Evans said.

“Furthermore, the inclusion of F-22s, and a B-52 in January, demonstrated the firm resolve of all (U.S.) forces as we stand united with our counterparts from the ROK air force,” he added.

The mission demonstrated the strength of the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea and the resolve of both nations to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Team Osan launches first sortie for BM 13-03

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 36th Fighter Squadron takes off for the first combat sortie of Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Midnight 13-03, as an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis for takeoff at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 6, 2013. During the week, Osan Airmen will be tested on their ability to utilize their chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training, as well as administer self-aid and buddy-care during contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla)

 

by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla,  51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- As part of the fourth operational readiness exercise, Beverly Midnight 13-03, the 51st Fighter Wing launches its first combat sorties at of the week Aug. 6, 2013.

Osan provides combat ready forces for close air support, air strike control, forward air control-airborne, combat search and rescue, counter air and fire, and interdiction in the defense of the ROK.

Who will blink first?

Reuters is reporting that the United States has sent F-22 stealth fighter jets to South Korea on Sunday to join military drills aimed at underscoring the U.S. commitment to defend Seoul in the face of an intensifying campaign of threats from North Korea.

The advanced, radar-evading F-22 Raptors were deployed to Osan Air Base, the main U.S. Air Force base in South Korea, from Japan to support ongoing bilateral exercises, the U.S. military command in South Korea said in a statement that urged North Korea to restrain itself.

For shortwave broadcast enthusiasts, Gayle Van Horn, the MT Frequency Manager has just posted the latest shortwave broadcast schedule in an exclusive on her Shortwave Central blog at http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/2013/04/north-korea-a13-summer-schedules.html.

For my East Asia overseas readers, below is a listing of local ATC aero freqs for some of the bases and airports in South Korea.

Osan AB (K-55) RKSO
If you have internet access you can monitor Osan AB via the LiveATC website at http://www.liveatc.net/search/?icao=rkso

Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 127.900 306.300
ATIS 132.125 272.700
Clearance Delivery 127.300 343.000
Consolidated Command Post 276.200 277.200 227.525 (Have Quick) Callsign Roundup
Departure Control 127.900 234.300
Ground Control 132.450 253.700
Pilot-to-Dispatcher (PTD)  120.700 232.900
PMSV Metro 346.500
Rescue Coordination Center 282.800 381.000
Tower 122.100 308.800

Seoul AB (K-16) RKSM
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach/Departure Control 123.800 363.800
ATIS 126.475 225.775
Ground Control 121.850 275.800
PMSV and Dragon Ops 62.450
PMSV Metro Backup Camp Humphreys FM 37.300 or UHF 346.500
Tower 126.200 236.600 292.850

Daegu AB (K-2) (RKTN)
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 135.900 346.300
ATIS 127.650 240.600 Digital ATIS svc avbl
Clearance Delivery/Ground Control 118.200 275.800
Departure Control 120.250 135.900 230.300
Kunsan Metro 346.500
Tower 126.200 236.600 365.000

Desiderio AAF (A-511) RKSG
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 108.200
Desiderio Ops 37.950 294.100
GCA 127.000 226.800 255.800
Ground Control 119.500 229.700
Osan Approach/Departure Control 127.900 306.300
PMSV Metro 37.300 118.425 346.500
Tower 34.950 122.500 257.800

Jungwon AB (K-75) RKTI
Approach Control 132.550 306.700
ATIS 135.600 234.950
Departure Control 132.550 363.700
Ground Control/Clearance Delivery 275.800
Tower 126.200 230.150 236.600

Kunsan AB (K-8) RKJK
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 124.100 292.650
ATIS 120.225 304.800
Clearance Delivery 133.750 287.700
Command Post 245.1 Callsign Wolf Pack
Departure Control 124.100 293.525
Ground Control 123.500 273.525
PMSV Metro 346.500
PTD 132.250 247.100
Tower 126.500 292.300

Seosan AB (K-76) RKTP/RK6U
ATIS 130.300 318.100
Clearance Delivery 275.800
Departure Control 124.600 276.500
Ground Control 275.800
Haemi Approach Control 124.600 229.250 253.950
Haemi Tower 126.200 136.775 236.600 258.300

Cheongju International (RKTU)
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 128.850 305.500
Ground Control 121.875 275.800
Jungwon Approach/Departure Control 134.000 134.100 134.400 265.750 292.900
Tower 118.700 126.200 236.600 249.600
Gangneung (K-18) RKNN
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 132.050 226.175
Approach/Departure Control 124.600 304.000 253.400 310.700
Tower 126.200 236.600 238.000
Ground Control/Clearance Delivery 275.800

Gimhae Intrnational (K-1) RKPK
Approach Control 125.500 225.100 VFR 230.100 250.400
Arrival 119.200 134.400 230.100 253.800
ATIS 126.600 235.100
Clearance Deliivery 121.800 229.525
Cowboy Ops 133.825 250.250
Departure Control 125.500 363.800
Ground Control 121.900 275.800
Ramp 121.650 317.450 121.725
Tower 118.100 118.450 233.300 236.600

Gimpo International (K-14) RKSS
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 126.400 317.800
Clearance Delivery 125.850
Ground Control 121.900 121.950
Seoul Approach Control 119.750 119.100 119.900 120.800 121.350 121.400 123.250 123.800 124.200 293.300 305.700 363.800
Seoul Departure 119.050 121.400 124.800 125.150 353.200
Tower 118.100 118.050 240.900
Gwangju (K57) RKJJ
Approach Control 130.000 228.900 319.200
Arrival 132.250 132.500 268.000 331.400 379.800 366.500
ATIS 128.875 234.700
Departure Control 124.000 347.200
Ground Control 121.800 275.800
Tower 118.050 236.600 254.600

Jeju International (K-40) RKPC
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 121.200 124.050 119.000 279.800 317.700
ATIS 126.800 239.500
Clearance Delivery 126.200
Departure Control 119.225 317.700
Ground Control 121.650
Tower 118.100 118.125 236.600

Jeongseok RKPD
ATIS 128.250
Ground Control 121.950
Jeju Approach Control 119.000 121.200 124.050 279.800 317.700
Jeju Departure 119.225 317.700
Tower 124.350 239.100

Seongmu (K-60) RKTE
Ground Control 134.550
Tower 131.300 126.200 236.600 363.900
Suwon (K-13) RKSW
25th TFS 229.000 266.100
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 126.425 225.675
Ground Control 275.800
Osan Approach/Departure Control 127.900 234.300 306.300 Inbound VFR aircraft call 232.400
PMSV Metro 346.500
Tower 126.200 236.600 244.400
USAF Suwon Command Post 229.000 266.100 (Monitors 123.45)
Wonju (K-46) RKNW
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 141.200 130.200 292.600 255.000
ATIS 128.600 225.575
Departure Control 130.200 134.100 268.500
Ground Control 275.800
Tower 126.200 118.325 236.600 265.500

Yecheon (K-59) RKTY
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 136.800 226.075
Approach Control 134.500 229.350
Departure Control 134.500 266.350
Ground Control 275.800
Tower 126.200 236.600 269.500
While you won' hear fighter communications activity on HF frequencies (VHF/UHF only), you will hear transport, logistics and other long haul military aircraft coming into and out of the Korean theater on the Major MWARA frequencies listed below. Mode is USB. * indicates station active on frequency indicated.

CENTRAL WEST PACIFIC (CWP)

Family Freqs: 2998* 3455* 4666* 5652* 5661 6532* 6562 8903* 10081 (HFDL) 11384* 13300* 17904*

BEIJING (East Asia MWARA) 3016 6571 8897
DAEGU (125.700) 6425 6665 6675
HONG KONG (127.100) 6532 8903 13300
MANILA (124.900) 2998* 6532 6562 8903* 13300* 17904
NAHA (126.900) 2998 3455 4666 6532 8903 11384 13300 17904
PORT MORESBY (RDARA) (120.900) 3419 3425 5565 6622 8837 8861 11393
SAN FRANCISCO (ARINC) (131.950) 2998 3455* 4666* 5652* 6532* 8903* 11384* 13300 17904* 21985
SEOUL (127.100) 3004 6532 8903* 13300 13303 17904
SHANGHAI  (East Asia MWARA)  3016 6571 8897
TAIPEI (127.300) 6532 8903 13300
TOKYO (127.300/127.400) 2998 3455 4666* 5652* 6532 8903* 11384* 13300* 17904

NORTH PACIFIC (NP)

Family Freqs: 2932 5628* 6655* 6661 10048* 11330 13300* 17904*

BEIJING (East Asia MWARA) 3016 6571 8897
SAN FRANCISCO (ARINC) (131.950) 2932 5628* 5667 6655* 8915 8951 10048* 11330 13273 13339 17946 21925
SHANGHAI  (East Asia MWARA) 3016 6571 8897
TOKYO (126.700) 2932 5628* 6655 8951 10048 11330 13273 17904

More information as it becomes available. Field reports are certainly appreciated and can be sent to the email address in the masthead.

Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian underway

by Staff Sgt. Jason Lake, 7th Air Force Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian, the world's largest command and control simulation exercise began Aug. 16 and continues through Aug. 26.

According to senior Combined Forces Command officials, the annual joint/combined command post exercise is designed to improve the Republic of Korea and U.S. alliance's ability to defend the Republic of Korea. The complex computer simulation exercise aims to train deployed and permanent party servicemembers while refining senior leaders' decision-making capabilities. In total, more than 27,000 U.S. joint forces and 500,000 ROK forces participate in the annual exercise throughout the peninsula.

Osan Air Base's Korea Air Simulation Center plays a critical role in simulating the air component portion of the exercise.

"The bottom line is that we're here to train the warfighter," said Lt. Col. Gary Denny, who serves as the Korea Air Simulation Center director. "There are many simulation centers here in Korea and the United States participating in this exercise, but we're the lead for the air model (simulations)."

Scott Lovelace, simulation manager within the KASC, said more than 40 U.S. simulation centers around the world make up the complex exercise network which also incorporates a similar ROK system.

"It's the largest simulation system in the world," he said. "There's no other type of exercise that creates this type of virtual battle space. Here, we are in a 'fight tonight' mindset and we can't afford to get this simulation wrong."

Col. Patrick Matthews, 7th Air Force director of programs and analyses, said exercises like UFG and Key Resolve/Foal Eagle provide critical readiness training at a base where most Airmen rotate in and out in a single year.

"I've been to the Warrior Preparation Center in Germany and seen its capabilities, but the system in place here has always been the gold standard," he said.

This year marks the 34th anniversary of the joint/combined exercise. In July 1976, ROK forces officials combined Exercise Ulchi with the United Nations Command and its U.S. allied forces Exercise Focus Lens. Exercise Ulchi-Focus Lens, as it was called until its name changed in 2008, was designed to enhance ROK-U.S. interoperability by training commanders and staff from both countries in wartime planning, command and control operations, intelligence, logistics and personnel procedures required for defending the Republic of Korea.