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. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017. 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. The unit was, among others, based in Australia and New Guinea. The first operational squadrons in place at Ubon in the early months of 1966 were the 433rd and the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. "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 Kunsan physical therapy office treats musculoskeletal conditions to include sports injuries, chronic issues and postoperative rehabilitation. This ensures the bases protection against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. 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. The F-100s were eventually replaced by F-105 Thunderchiefs in 1963 and the squadron moved to Yokota Air Base, Japan. The first airbase where he photographed was Soesterberg, Netherlands where the 32 TFS was stationed with the F-15. 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. 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 35th flew the P-12, PB-2, A-17 and P-36 out of Langley Field, Virginia. The legend of the maverick Robin Olds had been fully born. He regularly writes books for Veldhuis Media Group. The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. 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. A variety of Air Base Groups and Squadrons operated and maintained the base in the decades after the Korean Conflict. 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 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. It is one of two 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. Wolf Pack welcomes Wolf 61. The 80th was stationed at various bases during the battle for Korea, where it remained in continuous combat during the entire conflict. KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea Although aircraft assigned to the 80th and 35th Fighter have left Kunsan for the duration (Capt.) All military members live on base in dormitories. It is tasked with conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions with the 45 F-16s that are assigned to the wing. 8 . Later the same week, Wolf Pack F-4s again engaged the enemy, knocking down another two MiGs. Just win it!" It was, upon its return to the United States, demobilized during the American disarmament. The squadron started flying F-100s after the Korean War had ended. (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. 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. As part of a reorganization program, the 80th TFS was re-designated the 80th FS and re-assigned to the TFW. Memorabilia at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. It stands ready to conduct counter-air, air interdiction and close air support in both day and night conditions. . December of 2017 saw their biggest cooperated air exercise so far. WebU.S. It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. 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. Seventh Air Force falls under They were joined by 79 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force, flying top cover for the Wing in F-86s. From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. 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. His love for military aviation began in 1980. (Train Together), (Fly Together), (Go Together), An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The 35th changed base multiple times throughout Korea, including Pyongyang, flying the F-80 Shooting Star (and later the F-86 Sabre). (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. Its mission includes air interdiction, close air support, 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!". Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. Wolf Pack tail no. 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 The Badgers took part in two large-scale exercises during their three months in Korea, working together with the active 80th & 35th FS. . 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 We hone our craft and ensure our readiness to deter attack. It was in September 1974 that the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was assigned to Kunsan Air Base. 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. ( ! (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-. 24 of its pilots (Head Hunters) became aces, of which Captain Richard L. Bong became the American ace-of-aces. Thats the 8th Fighter Wings motto, nicknamed the Wolf Pack. The base is established on the west coast of The 80th Fighter Squadron was activated during WWII, in 1942, as the 80th Pursuit Squadron at Mitchell Field, NY. The 8th Maintenance Group is tasked with the daily flying and maintenance operations. Aforementioned 3rd Bombardment Wing returned to Japan at the end of the Korean Conflict. 70 . The base also houses the U.S. Armys 2nd Batallion, 1st Air Defense Artillery. 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. WebThe Official Website of the 908th Airlift Wing. The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. 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 five-day drill, named Vigilant Ace, is meant to improve the allies wartime capabilities and preparedness, South Koreas defense ministry said. Sudden media attention became focused on the 8th TFW and Robin Olds following Bolo. This goes to show the tension and threat, something that I certainly felt during my time at Kunsan. It scored the final American aerial victories of the war on the 14th of August, 1945. It was the start of the most impactful and far-reaching assignment of his 30-year USAF career. Kadena Air Base, Japan, saw the deployment of U.S. 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. 1966 . This was done with the aforementioned F-80 Shooting Star. It was April 1951 that the 27th Air Base Group became the first Air Force unit assigned to the base. Such language is typical in North Korean propaganda because the country claims US-South Korean drills are preparation for invasion. 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. (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. All rights reserved Aviation Photography Digest, 2023. For training purpose with the 80th FW, multiple of their F-16s were present at Kunsan Air Base during my visit here. 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. 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 8th Medical Group is tasked with managing the medical clinic, offering flight & general medicine, dentistry and military public health services. Air Force Reserve Takes 75th Anniversary Celebration to Talladega This is a special day not only for the 70,000-plus Citizen Vincent Antwi, 8th HCOS pharmacy technician, in taking inventory at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. The 8th Fighter Wing consists of four groups, each carrying the responsibility for the wings operations, maintenance, support & medical functions. Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. Here at Kunsan Air Base, we train with the 38th Fighter Group of the ROKAF. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. It was later re-designated the 8th Fighter Wing in 1992. TWS is the largest online 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. Contents of this website may not be used without prior written permission. Its heritage dates back as far as June of 1917, when the unit was established as 35th Aero Squadron. 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 aircrews' initial scepticism quickly turned to respect for the "old guy's" leadership style and obvious proficiency in the F-4. 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". 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. All rights reserved. The lab at the 8th MDG is uniquely trained in lifesaving emergency blood procedures and detection of bioterrorism agents in support of wartime operations. (Operation BOLO) Wolf Pack( ) . F-16 F-35B, F-22 . Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1198sweep/), NMUSAF PR Video: Robin speaking of his love for his ground crews. On September 30, 1966, Col. Robin Olds took official charge of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon RTAFB, near Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. 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). As mentioned, its first combat base was in New Guinea, after which it moved through Borneo and the Celebes Islands. 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. The 8th Fighter Wing wears its heritage proudly: the famed Wolf Pack of Robin Olds. (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. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/change-of-command-49712/. 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. 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. The Armys 2nd Battalion, the 1st Air Defense Artillery, consists of the Charlie and Delta missile batteries. The base is established on the west coast of the country, close to Gunsan City. 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. (Henry Jeffress) 70 . Different deployments of the United States Air Force frequently visit South-Korea. Chris Drager (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron physical therapist, guides a patient lifting weights at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. ) . 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. 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 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. 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 legend of 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. 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!" MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. Something which is extremely important in hostile times like these. This was the start of several Air Force units stationing at Kunsan AB. Rotational Deployment in Korea of the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing was completed on November 8, 2017. The legend of The Wolf Pack had begun. 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. This iconic mustache became the visible symbol of the fighting spirit of the Wolf Pack and its renegade leader. 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. Approximately 250 Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fighter Squadron from Colorado Air National Guard Base were stationed here. As part of a reorganization program, the 80, Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. 8 (Robin Olds) . The Squadron flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon out of Kunsan Air Base and is assigned to the Wolf Pack (8th Fighter Wing). When U.S. forces left Korea in 1949, the base was turned over to the Republic of Korea Air Force. The Trojan Horse ruse of Operation BOLO succeeded in downing seven MiG -21s in a fierce aerial battle lasting twelve minutes. The 80th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing. Defend the base, accept follow-on forces, take the flight north. 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 8th Mission Support Group is tasked with supporting the base with civil engineering, communications, base defense, services, logistic readiness and overall mission support. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. Copyright 2012-2023 Aviation Photography Digest. (Click to play). 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. But if called upon to defend our neighbors and allies, may God have mercy on the Wolf Packs prey.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. 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." Special thanks to Kunsan AFB Public Affairs for making this visit possible. Conversion was completed in 2001. This was the first of over 200 victories ever since. 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. The 35. It is rather strange to be here, maybe its just me but you can feel the tension. The 8th Fighter Wing renders a salute during the 8th FW change of command at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 1, 2021. 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 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. Forces in May of 2017. (For detailed description of Operation Bolo, see: MiG Sweep by Walter Boyne, November 1, 1998 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. G. Shoemaker once mentioned: The ironclad alliance between the US and Republic of Korea is evident in everything we do. This was of great help to the eager and willing to learn Airmen of the 8th FW. 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. 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. 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. 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 8th Fighter Wing serves as the bases host unit and falls under the Seventh Air Force at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. 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. They have also been stationed in The Netherlands, East Indies and the Philippines. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. A warm welcome was felt in a time of heightened tension. Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. 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 . 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. Due to close cooperation of both ROKAF and USAF forces, their capabilities have improved exponentially. 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. 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. Flying the P-39, it scored its first victory within a month when it engaged and destroyed six enemy aircraft. By the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. About the presence of U.S. forces at Kunsan, the 8th FW Commander Col. David. 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. WebFind 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - Wolf Pack unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. 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. Peter van den Berg is from Coevorden, Netherlands. Met by a large group of Pentagon officials, journalists, and photographers, he embraced his wife and daughters before posing for photos. 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 35th Fighter Squadrons mission is to provide combat-ready F-16 C/D fighter aircraft to conduct air operations throughout the Pacific. The squadron accounted for 225 enemy aircraft destroyed during the course of the war, receiving 10 battle honors and three Distinguished Unit Citations. 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. I am standing in front of Kunsan Air Base, waiting for the Public Affairs Officer. The cumulative losses forced the North Vietnamese Air Force to ground their remaining aircraft, reassess tactics and retrain crews for four full months. The U.S. Army recaptured the base, together with Kunsan City, two months later. Martina Shannon-Young, 8th OMRS mental health technician, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. 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.

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