Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

Airman 1st Class Kehinde Olatona, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, performs the ‘push it up’ gesture to an F-16 pilot after launching out the plane during Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. The aircraft generation demonstrated the 8th Fighter Wing’s rapid generation capabilities and response readiness. UFS24 is an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty that highlights the U.S. commitment to the alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

Airman 1st Class Kehinde Olatona, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, communicates with the pilot during flight checks as part of Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. As a crew chief, Olatona is responsible for ensuring the aircraft was inspected and serviced to participate in exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 2024. UFS24 is an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty that highlights the U.S. commitment to the alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 80th Fighter Generation Squadron lands after a training mission during Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. The aircraft generation demonstrated the 8th Fighter Wing’s rapid generation capabilities and response to readiness, ensuring the wing remains ready to deliver airpower in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility at any time. USF24 is an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK mutual Defense Treaty and highlights the U.S.’s commitment to the alliance in building a robust defense posture to defend the ROK against a spectrum of security threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Quach, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon integrated avionics technician, signals all systems are running after checking gauges in the cockpit of an F-16 aircraft at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. Avionics specialists ensure that pilots can receive the information they need to operate their aircraft by installing, checking and removing integrated avionics systems and inspecting, troubleshooting and maintaining aircraft wiring systems. Exercises like Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 allow Wolf Pack maintainers to test their capabilities to rapidly generate combat airpower at a moment’s notice. UFS24 is an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty that highlights the U.S. commitment to the alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron, taxis after landing at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. Aircraft from the 80th FS flew training missions as part of Ulchi Freedom Shield 24, an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty. Training is administered throughout the year to generate combat airpower at a moment’s notice to ensure regional stability throughout the peninsula. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Glass, left, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron F-16 crew chief, and Staff Sgt. Matthew Quach, right, 35th FGS F-16 Fighting Falcon integrated avionics technician, inspect an F-16 aircraft during Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. Routine training is essential for 8th Fighter Wing Airmen to refine their aircraft generation capabilities through practical applications. This training is critical to enhancing the 8th FW’s ability to respond skillfully to contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron taxis back after a training mission during Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. The aircraft generation demonstrated the 8th Fighter Wing’s rapid generation capabilities and response readiness, ensuring the wing remains ready to deliver airpower in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility at any time. UFS24 enhances cohesion, interoperability and advanced readiness between the US and ROK. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Figueroa, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron F-16 crew chief, monitors the pressure of a hydraulic mule during Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. The hydraulic mule allows crew chiefs to test the moving components of the aircraft, such as the flaps and landing gear. Routine training like UFS24 allows Wolf Pack Airmen to hone their rapid aircraft generation capabilities through hands-on experiences. UFS24 is an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty that highlights the U.S. commitment to the alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

Airman 1st Class Kehinde Olatona, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, operates an A/M32A-60 (Dash-60) ground power unit at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 19, 2024. The Dash-60 is a portable gas-turbine powered unit designed to provide high-pressure air to spin jet engines up to their starting RPM. Kunsan conducts training throughout the year to generate combat airpower at a moment’s notice, affirming the commitment to the ROK and ensures regional stability throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)

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Kunsan AB tests mission, hones ROK defense mission

Published Aug. 21, 2024
By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

Wolf Pack Airmen have been generating combat air power as part of Ulchi Freedom Shield 24, an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty. Routine training like UFS24 allows the 8th Fighter Wing to hone its warfighting capabilities through hands-on experience and strengthens contingency response muscle memory.