All military members live on base in dormitories. From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. It was April 1951 that the 27th Air Base Group became the first Air Force unit assigned to the base. The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. This iconic mustache became the visible symbol of the fighting spirit of the Wolf Pack and its renegade leader. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. The base is established on the west coast of the country, close to Gunsan City. 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. 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. 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. This battalion is equipped with Patriot Advanced Capability, or PAC-3, missiles. It was originally an aircraft maintenance squadron, as the unit served in France from 1917 to 1919. The cumulative losses forced the North Vietnamese Air Force to ground their remaining aircraft, reassess tactics and retrain crews for four full months. Kadena Air Base, Japan, saw the deployment of U.S. By the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. 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. 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. On September 30, 1966, Col. Robin Olds took official charge of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon RTAFB, near Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. Air Force Reserve Takes 75th Anniversary Celebration to Talladega This is a special day not only for the 70,000-plus Citizen 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. The squadron moved to Okinawa in August 1944, where it saw immediate action, flying missions against the Japanese mainland. 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. As mentioned, its first combat base was in New Guinea, after which it moved through Borneo and the Celebes Islands. 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!". (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. This included the P-40 and P-38 Lightning, accounting for 124 kills during missions. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and get notified when new articles are published. About the presence of U.S. forces at Kunsan, the 8th FW Commander Col. David. This was the first of over 200 victories ever since. The 8th Mission Support Group is tasked with supporting the base with civil engineering, communications, base defense, services, logistic readiness and overall mission support. Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. Defend the base, accept follow-on forces, take the flight north. 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/. It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. WebFind 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - Wolf Pack unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. During the second half of 2017, the 118th Fighter Wing was stationed here for several months. 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. Entering combat in 1942 in the Pacific during WWII, another wide variety of aircraft were flown. 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 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. 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. The 80th flew its final combat mission of WWII in August of 1945, during which the squadron commander was shot down. Robin Olds, leading the first of three flights of F-4s, scored the first MiG of his tour. 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. 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". This was done with the aforementioned F-80 Shooting Star. 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. Flying the P-39, it scored its first victory within a month when it engaged and destroyed six enemy aircraft. 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. 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. 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 was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. WebBy the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. The legend of The Wolf Pack had begun. TWS is the largest online 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. Wolf Pack tail no. It was mainly tasked with escorting light to medium bombers and ground support attacks. 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 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. To quote the 176th EFS Commander: In order to provide you with the best possible experience on our website, we use cookies. KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea Although aircraft assigned to the 80th and 35th Fighter have left Kunsan for the duration When the president asked how he proposed he should do that, Robin replied, "It's simple! 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). Both meetings were contentious. 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 squadron received P-38 Lightning aircraft in January of 1943, which it operated throughout the rest of the war. Its heritage dates back as far as June of 1917, when the unit was established as 35th Aero Squadron. This is done to provide a deterrent against threats for both security and stability in the region. It is part of the Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. 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 Armys 2nd Battalion, the 1st Air Defense Artillery, consists of the Charlie and Delta missile batteries. 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. 8 . The 35th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, the Wolf Pack. 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. Together they formed a legendary team known as "Blackman and Robin". Contents of this website may not be used without prior written permission. Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. Its not like any other base that Ive visited, less relaxed maybe. 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 It is tasked with conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions with the 45 F-16s that are assigned to the wing. Feel free to contact us using the form below: Late October, its around 70F and slightly foggy. All 8th TFW squadrons flew F-4Cs until F-4Ds replaced the older aircraft in 1967. 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 U.S. Army recaptured the base, together with Kunsan City, two months later. 70 . The first assigned aircraft wing at Kunsan was the 3rd Bombardment Wing, on August 22, 1951. 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 base is established on the west coast of It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. Sgt. 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 8th TFW pilots (mostly in their early to mid-twenties) looked with distrust at this "old" guy who hadn't flown combat since WWII. For training purpose with the 80th FW, multiple of their F-16s were present at Kunsan Air Base during my visit here. WebU.S. 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. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. Conversion was completed in 2001. (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. . 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. Martina Shannon-Young, 8th OMRS mental health technician, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. Seventh Air Force falls under The 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron joined later in June 1967. 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 first operational squadrons in place at Ubon in the early months of 1966 were the 433rd and the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. A warm welcome was felt in a time of heightened tension. This ensures the bases protection against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. Something which is extremely important in hostile times like these. The mental health clinic is made up of both officers and enlisted personnel, who can teach and treat patients under their commissioned counterparts licenses. 38 70 . F-16 F-35B, F-22 . In November, 1966, the 8th TFW hosted a tactics conference designed to bring combat pilots throughout SEA together to exchange information and foster teamwork. 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. 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 . Its mission is to be prepared to execute immediate air combat operations against any aggressors threatening the United States or the Republic of Korea. Following the wars end, they moved to Fukuoka Air Base in Japan to fly the P-51 Mustang. Re-designated the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, it entered combat as the Korean War began. 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. They have also been stationed in The Netherlands, East Indies and the Philippines. 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. Peter has written books about NAS Fallon, Red Flag and the Japanese Airforce. 8 (Wolf) . 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. (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 8th Operation Group trains and equips the 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons (nicknames: Pantons and Juvats) in order to conduct air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. 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. It was the start of the most impactful and far-reaching assignment of his 30-year USAF career. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. Copyright 2012-2023 Aviation Photography Digest. The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/change-of-command-49712/. 8th OSS forecasting the fight. The Squadron flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon out of Kunsan Air Base and is assigned to the Wolf Pack (8th Fighter Wing). WebThe nickname of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing -- the Wolfpack -- fit Robin Olds aggressive style. Peter van den Berg is from Coevorden, Netherlands. "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/. 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. 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. She became the first to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1981, together with its sister squadron; the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron. This enables day or night, all weather capabilities. The first airbase where he photographed was Soesterberg, Netherlands where the 32 TFS was stationed with the F-15. 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. , . 8 (Robin Olds) . Vincent Antwi, 8th HCOS pharmacy technician, in taking inventory at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. It is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art ordnance. 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 Kunsan physical therapy office treats musculoskeletal conditions to include sports injuries, chronic issues and postoperative rehabilitation. 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 during this period that a new 5,000ft runway was built. The 8th Fighter Wing wears its heritage proudly: the famed Wolf Pack of Robin Olds. It scored the final American aerial victories of the war on the 14th of August, 1945. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), An official website of the United States government, SLIDESHOW | 0 images | BSC: Looking after the Wolf Pack, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 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 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. It was in 1972 when the 35th moved to Kunsan Air Base to fly the F-4 Phantom. All rights reserved. Met by a large group of Pentagon officials, journalists, and photographers, he embraced his wife and daughters before posing for photos. All rights reserved Aviation Photography Digest, 2023. When the 80th was attached to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, the unit became the first to fly jet aircraft in combat. The 80th Fighter Squadron was activated during WWII, in 1942, as the 80th Pursuit Squadron at Mitchell Field, NY. If you continue to browse we will assume your permission to use cookies. (Eagle). Memorabilia at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. The legend of (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. The 80th was stationed at various bases during the battle for Korea, where it remained in continuous combat during the entire conflict. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. 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 capability of the ROKAF/USAF has improved exponentially. Wolf Pack welcomes Wolf 61. (Henry Jeffress) 70 . The F-100s were eventually replaced by F-105 Thunderchiefs in 1963 and the squadron moved to Yokota Air Base, Japan. As part of a reorganization program, the 80th TFS was re-designated the 80th FS and re-assigned to the TFW. This was the start of several Air Force units stationing at Kunsan AB. 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!" (Operation BOLO) Wolf Pack( ) . This goes to show the tension and threat, something that I certainly felt during my time at Kunsan. I am standing in front of Kunsan Air Base, waiting for the Public Affairs Officer. The legend of the maverick Robin Olds had been fully born. Even though operations differ between National Guard, Reserve and active duty units, the advantage for the 176th turned out to be experienced instructor pilots. They were joined by 79 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force, flying top cover for the Wing in F-86s. 24 of its pilots (Head Hunters) became aces, of which Captain Richard L. Bong became the American ace-of-aces. 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. 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. It was in September 1974 that the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was assigned to Kunsan Air Base. His love for military aviation began in 1980. (For detailed description of Operation Bolo, see: MiG Sweep by Walter Boyne, November 1, 1998 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. The 8th Maintenance Group is tasked with the daily flying and maintenance operations. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017.