Exercise Kunsan: No notice, no nonsense

  • Published
  • By 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Staff
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Sixty-years ago, the armed forces of communist North Korea caught the western world off guard as they rolled across the 38th Parallel in an effort to gain domination over the Korean Peninsula. Their surprise attack was devastating to the Republic of Korea. The Airmen of the Wolf Pack pledge that will never happen again as they stand ready to conduct the mission - Defend the Base, Accept Follow-on Forces and Take the Fight North.

To test that pledge, members of the Wolf Pack took part in a no-notice generation April 23.

During the day-long exercise, base Airmen were tested on their ability to successfully conduct the mission at a moment's notice; and unlike most exercises, this was completed with absolutely no warning.

Munitions flight bomb loaders quickly loaded live munitions, maintainers generated aircraft, support personnel enabled operations, and pilots and intelligence personnel planned rapidly and executed.

"Unlike previous exercises, only three members of wing leadership were aware of this exercise in advance," said Col. Rob Givens, commander of the 8th Fighter Wing. "Wolf Pack Airmen were tested on their ability to generate from a cold start as well as on how they plan and execute the mission while being encumbered by the challenges of the element of surprise. It's imperative that we make sure we won't be caught unprepared."

The exercise was a success. The Wolf Pack generated both F-16s and visiting F-15Es with live ordnance. The day was filled with excitement as the base populace raced against the clock to "get in the war." The exercise culminated with all aircraft taxiing to the end of the runway and then returning to their shelters.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the Wolf Pack's performance," said Colonel Givens. "To begin the day thinking you are just starting a normal training day and end it with live, loaded airpower, ready to take the fight north, it's a great feeling. This wing is ready to fight tonight!"