The Pack: Wolves unite to optimize readiness in UFS24

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Johnson
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 is pushing the envelope on
operational readiness and innovation, taking training and mission support to new heights.
The Wolf Pack recently integrated into UFS24 to optimize wing processes and test wing readiness from
Aug 19-23. This extensive exercise not only enhanced the base’s strategic posture but also sharpened its
collaboration with allied forces across the Korean peninsula.
“Kunsan must be prepared to launch aircraft, deter, and if needed, defeat adversaries,” said Chief Master
Sgt. Nathan Chrestensen, 8th Fighter Wing command chief. “The importance of UFS24 for Kunsan is
readiness. We have to go out there and train so that if we’re called upon to take the fight north, we’ll be
ready to execute at a moment’s notice.”
UFS24 is an annual joint exercise between U.S. and Republic of Korea forces designed to enhance
readiness and coordination. For the Wolf Pack, UFS24 challenged its ability to generate aircraft and
execute operations under real-world conditions by simulating ground and air attacks on personnel and
infrastructure.
Integral to this mission is the 8th Civil Engineering Squadron, responsible for ensuring the base's
infrastructure remains robust and responsive.
“Our team is there to make sure the base remains operational under any conditions,” explained Maj.
Carrie Gandy, 8th Civil Engineering Squadron engineering flight commander. “Whether it's rapidly
repairing airfield damage or neutralizing explosives, we're trained to respond quickly and effectively to
keep the mission going.”
Testing infrastructure isn't the only goal of the training, it's also a golden opportunity for Airmen to refine
their skills in real-world scenarios.

“Exercises like UFS24 are invaluable because they let our Airmen practice and perfect their skills in real-
world scenarios,” Gandy said. “The repetition and real-time problem-solving help sharpen their technical

abilities, and it's through these drills that they really get the hands-on experience needed to be proficient at
their jobs and respond effectively when it counts.”
Meanwhile, the 8th Security Forces Squadron was challenged uniquely when several critical systems were
deliberately taken offline.

“The first day of the exercise, we lost our counter-small unmanned aerial systems (C-sUAS) [counter-
measures],” said Staff Sergeant Stewart Layton, 8th Security Forces Squadron C-sUAS non-
commissioned officer in charge. “With these systems down, we had to rely on our core training and the

skills we’ve developed over time. It’s a real test of how well we can perform when our high-tech tools are
out of commission.”
““It’s a huge test of our flexibility and ability to fight effectively without our usual support,” Layton said.

Layton also emphasized the importance of general and selective arming at Kunsan and how it supports the
8th SFS, commenting on how general arming (GENARM) exponentially increases their response
capabilities across ever sector of the base.
“This system gives us the flexibility to quickly respond to any situation, whether it’s a drone threat or a
ground attack, with overwhelming force and precision.”
This exercise enforced 8th SFS’s resilience and adaptability, reinforcing its ability to maintain security
and respond to threats even when their advanced systems are unavailable.
The 8th Medical Group also played a crucial role in UFS24, ensuring the health and readiness of Kunsan’s
forces.
"Our Wolf Pack medics bring unparalleled realism to exercises like Ulchi Freedom Shield," said Col.
Valerie O'Brien, 8th Medical Group commander. “Medics play a vital role in ensuring our forces are ready
and able to carry out their missions.
Emergency responders are constantly training to maintain hasty and efficient care in all scenarios.
“Emphasizing readiness means not only being prepared for the unexpected, but also maintaining the
highest level of medical skills, knowledge and physical fitness,” O’Brien said. “By prioritizing readiness
and honing their skills in high-stress conditions, these medics ensure they are always prepared to deliver
top-tier care, contributing significantly to the overall mission by maintaining the health and resilience of
the force, enabling the Wolf Pack to operate effectively under any circumstance.”
Throughout UFS24, all agencies of the Wolf Pack work in close coordination to ensure mission success.
The 8th CES’s infrastructure support, the 8th SFS’s defensive operations and the 8th OMRS’s medical
readiness are linked, with each unit relying on the others to address the challenges of the exercise. This
comprehensive approach not only enhances the base’s operational capabilities but also solidifies the
collaborative spirit necessary for facing real-world threats effectively.
UFS24 is more than just a drill—it’s a vital component of maintaining a state of readiness and ensuring
Kunsan remains a formidable force in the region, prepared to defend the peninsula.