Its heritage dates back as far as June of 1917, when the unit was established as 35th Aero Squadron. This ensures the bases protection against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Robin Olds, leading the first of three flights of F-4s, scored the first MiG of his tour. G. Shoemaker once mentioned: The ironclad alliance between the US and Republic of Korea is evident in everything we do. Forces in May of 2017. All rights reserved Aviation Photography Digest, 2023. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. 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. We enjoy friendships at a personal level while providing for the collective defense of the peninsula and the region. 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. 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. But if called upon to defend our neighbors and allies, may God have mercy on the Wolf Packs prey.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. We hone our craft and ensure our readiness to deter attack. 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. The cumulative losses forced the North Vietnamese Air Force to ground their remaining aircraft, reassess tactics and retrain crews for four full months. By the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. 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. 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), 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. , . The five-day drill, named Vigilant Ace, is meant to improve the allies wartime capabilities and preparedness, South Koreas defense ministry said. 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. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017. The legend of the maverick Robin Olds had been fully born. (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. Sudden media attention became focused on the 8th TFW and Robin Olds following Bolo. Contents of this website may not be used without prior written permission. This included the P-40 and P-38 Lightning, accounting for 124 kills during missions. The 8th Fighter Wing wears its heritage proudly: the famed Wolf Pack of Robin Olds. 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. 1966 . Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. December of 2017 saw their biggest cooperated air exercise so far. The first assigned aircraft wing at Kunsan was the 3rd Bombardment Wing, on August 22, 1951. The base is established on the west coast of It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Something which is extremely important in hostile times like these. G. Shoemaker once mentioned: , Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. 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. Four F-16s take to the South Korean skies with afterburners. The mental health clinic is made up of both officers and enlisted personnel, who can teach and treat patients under their commissioned counterparts licenses. 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. 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 airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. Air Force Chief of Staff, General John P. McConnell, ordered him to shave off his mustache before starting his new job as Commandant at the Air Force Academy in order to be a proper influence on cadets. the capability of the ROKAF/USAF has improved exponentially. 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. 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. It was in September 1974 that the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was assigned to Kunsan Air Base. Special thanks to Kunsan AFB Public Affairs for making this visit possible. It was originally an aircraft maintenance squadron, as the unit served in France from 1917 to 1919. It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), 1st Lt. Makayla Arcara, 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron officer in charge of bioenvironmental engineering officer in charge, takes an air sample at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. 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. In his first pilot briefing, Olds ordered them sternly to teach him well because he'd be leading them over North Vietnam within two weeks. The squadron accounted for 225 enemy aircraft destroyed during the course of the war, receiving 10 battle honors and three Distinguished Unit Citations. The Armys 2nd Battalion, the 1st Air Defense Artillery, consists of the Charlie and Delta missile batteries. This includes intermediate level aircraft maintenance, component repair and maintenance training. When the president asked how he proposed he should do that, Robin replied, "It's simple! It was in 1972 when the 35th moved to Kunsan Air Base to fly the F-4 Phantom. In November, 1966, the 8th TFW hosted a tactics conference designed to bring combat pilots throughout SEA together to exchange information and foster teamwork. She became the first to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1981, together with its sister squadron; the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron. It is tasked with conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions with the 45 F-16s that are assigned to the wing. It is one of two The aircrews' initial scepticism quickly turned to respect for the "old guy's" leadership style and obvious proficiency in the F-4. 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 This iconic mustache became the visible symbol of the fighting spirit of the Wolf Pack and its renegade leader. The 8th Mission Support Group is tasked with supporting the base with civil engineering, communications, base defense, services, logistic readiness and overall mission support. The 8th Medical Group is tasked with managing the medical clinic, offering flight & general medicine, dentistry and military public health services. Vincent Antwi, 8th HCOS pharmacy technician, in taking inventory at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. (Capt.) As mentioned, its first combat base was in New Guinea, after which it moved through Borneo and the Celebes Islands. 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 squadron moved to Okinawa in August 1944, where it saw immediate action, flying missions against the Japanese mainland. WebThe Official Website of the 908th Airlift Wing. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. A warm welcome was felt in a time of heightened tension. 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. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. (For detailed description of Operation Bolo, see: MiG Sweep by Walter Boyne, November 1, 1998 This battalion is equipped with Patriot Advanced Capability, or PAC-3, missiles. The 8th TFW pilots (mostly in their early to mid-twenties) looked with distrust at this "old" guy who hadn't flown combat since WWII. I am standing in front of Kunsan Air Base, waiting for the Public Affairs Officer. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. Its mission is to be prepared to execute immediate air combat operations against any aggressors threatening the United States or the Republic of Korea. WebFind 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - Wolf Pack unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. 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. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. Both meetings were contentious. 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!". 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. 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. (Henry Jeffress) 70 . The 35th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, the Wolf Pack. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. During the second half of 2017, the 118th Fighter Wing was stationed here for several months. The 80th flew its final combat mission of WWII in August of 1945, during which the squadron commander was shot down. ) . 8th OSS forecasting the fight. Entering combat in 1942 in the Pacific during WWII, another wide variety of aircraft were flown. For training purpose with the 80th FW, multiple of their F-16s were present at Kunsan Air Base during my visit here. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/change-of-command-49712/. As part of a reorganization program, the 80th TFS was re-designated the 80th FS and re-assigned to the TFW. The 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron joined later in June 1967. 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. 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. It was the start of the most impactful and far-reaching assignment of his 30-year USAF career. The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. 8 . The 8th Fighter Wing renders a salute during the 8th FW change of command at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 1, 2021. Sgt. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. "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/. Approximately 250 Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fighter Squadron from Colorado Air National Guard Base were stationed here. The 80th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing. All military members live on base in dormitories. The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. Its mission includes air interdiction, close air support, Copyright 2012-2023 Aviation Photography Digest. The unit was, among others, based in Australia and New Guinea. The first airbase where he photographed was Soesterberg, Netherlands where the 32 TFS was stationed with the F-15. 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. (Click to play). As part of a reorganization program, the 80, Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. 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 Pictured here are revetments and F-4s of the 8th TFW at Ubon, Chris Drager (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron physical therapist, guides a patient lifting weights at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. About the presence of U.S. forces at Kunsan, the 8th FW Commander Col. David. It is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art ordnance. 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). The 35th Fighter Squadrons mission is to provide combat-ready F-16 C/D fighter aircraft to conduct air operations throughout the Pacific. 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. Thats the 8th Fighter Wings motto, nicknamed the Wolf Pack. 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. Its not like any other base that Ive visited, less relaxed maybe. 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. Conversion was completed in 2001. 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. Defend the base, accept follow-on forces, take the flight north. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. This was the start of several Air Force units stationing at Kunsan AB. 8 (Robin Olds) . KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea Although aircraft assigned to the 80th and 35th Fighter have left Kunsan for the duration It was mainly tasked with escorting light to medium bombers and ground support attacks. 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 Memorabilia at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. . 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. We can produce forecasts all day, but if nobody uses them, that's kind of pointless, Verleur finished. 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 pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. This was the first of over 200 victories ever since. They were joined by 79 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force, flying top cover for the Wing in F-86s. When the 80th was attached to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, the unit became the first to fly jet aircraft in combat. The squadron performs a wide variety of activities such as air-and-space control, counter air, strategic attack, interdiction and close-air support missions. It is rather strange to be here, maybe its just me but you can feel the tension. Due to close cooperation of both ROKAF and USAF forces, their capabilities have improved exponentially. Weve developed our ability to train and fight together through RED FLAGs and our Peninsula-wide exercises MAX THUNDER and VIGILANT ACE. The first operational squadrons in place at Ubon in the early months of 1966 were the 433rd and the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. . The 80th was stationed at various bases during the battle for Korea, where it remained in continuous combat during the entire conflict. 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 His love for military aviation began in 1980. 24 of its pilots (Head Hunters) became aces, of which Captain Richard L. Bong became the American ace-of-aces. 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. The 8th Fighter Wing serves as the bases host unit and falls under the Seventh Air Force at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The lab at the 8th MDG is uniquely trained in lifesaving emergency blood procedures and detection of bioterrorism agents in support of wartime operations. 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. The squadron started flying F-100s after the Korean War had ended. 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." It is part of the Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. This was done from Itazuke Air Base, Japan. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and get notified when new articles are published. WebU.S. 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. Later the same week, Wolf Pack F-4s again engaged the enemy, knocking down another two MiGs. 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. This was of great help to the eager and willing to learn Airmen of the 8th FW. Wolf Pack tail no. 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. It was during this period that a new 5,000ft runway was built. 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. 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.
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