Seventh Air Force’s Super Squadron test is a temporary movement of F-16 aircraft and personnel within the Republic of Korea, from Kunsan Air Base to Osan AB, to test and validate the concept of a “Super Squadron’s” ability to improve sortie generation, training, and readiness while reducing manpower and logistic support requirements – thus optimizing combat capabilities. The initial year-long test saw initial success, and Seventh Air Force was approved for a second phase by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force on April 7, 2025. In Phase II, which will begin October 2025, a second super squadron of F-16s from Kunsan AB will be established at Osan AB. Approximately 1,000 Airmen will also transfer from Kunsan to Osan to support the test. The movement of personnel and fighter aircraft is a temporary shift, seeking to optimize capabilities and maximize combat effectiveness. Force generation and re-organization is an Air Force wide priority meant to streamline critical resources and operations for today’s security environment.

There are no plans to close Kunsan AB. The 8th Fighter Wing will continue to operate as a primary exercise and rotational force bed-down location for U.S. air component forces in the Republic of Korea, maintaining active flightline operations and facilities, as well as war reserve material and munitions at multiple locations across ROK, for the duration of the test. The Wolf Pack is, and will continue to be, a critical part of Seventh Air Force’s mission to provide combat airpower in defense of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Approximately 31 F-16 aircraft and about 1,000 Airmen will be reassigned from Kunsan AB to Osan AB for Phase II of the Super Squadron test to support the expanded scope of the initiative. The Airmen will transition through permanent change of station or diversion of their future assignment from Kunsan to Osan. Most movements of people and aircraft will occur prior to October 2025, to synchronize with the existing summer move cycle and ensure a smooth transition. Transferred Airmen will primarily keep the timeline of their initial assigned tour of duty; if tasked with a one-year short tour at Kunsan, they will maintain the one-year assignment timeline at Osan, unless requested and approved for additional time. The second phase is set to continue for one year, from October 2025 to October 2026.

51st FW and Seventh AF leadership have analyzed the support infrastructure at Osan AB and determined that the base and surrounding community has the capacity and capability to temporarily support the additional influx of members for Phase II of the Super Squadron test. Additional Airmen will be housed both on and off base, and medical staff have verified their capacity to support in keeping with AF and DOD requirements. All Airmen and families are encouraged to bring any potential concerns to their chain of command.

Efforts will begin shortly to re-assign personnel to Osan AB either through permanent change of station from Kunsan, or by diverting inbound members assignments from Kunsan to Osan. The approximately 1,000 members will transition throughout the summer and be in place to support the start of the second phase by October 2025. The Seventh Air Force Manpower, Personnel, and Services directorate is working in close coordination with Pacific Air Forces and the Air Force Personnel Center to ensure a smooth transition. We aim to support every individual, those moving, and those remaining in place during this test; Airmen are encouraged to discuss any potential challenges with their chain of command for support.

The 8th Fighter Wing leadership remains focused on caring for all Wolf Pack members. They will ensure that high priority continues with quality-of-life improvement efforts and planned facility or system renovations. The Wolf Pack is, and will continue to be, a critical part of Seventh Air Force’s mission to provide combat airpower in defense of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Tour length for Airmen transferring to Osan as part of the Phase II Super Squadron test will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We will seek to minimize any non-voluntary extensions of DEROS, active-duty service commitments, and enlistment contracts. Every effort will be made to honor previously identified follow-on assignments, and KAIP opportunities remain in place. Airmen transferring to Osan Air Base as part of the Phase II Super Squadron test will have the opportunity to request command sponsorship and elect for an accompanied tour if approved.

Airmen transferring to Osan Air Base as part of the Phase II Super Squadron test will have the opportunity to request command sponsorship and elect for an accompanied tour if approved.

Kunsan’s Wolf Pack is, and will continue to be, a critical part of Seventh Air Force’s mission to provide combat airpower in defense of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. The 8th Fighter Wing will continue to operate as a primary exercise and rotational force bed-down location for U.S. air component forces in ROK, maintaining active flightline operations, base defense, and force support capabilities, for the duration of the test.

We won’t speculate on what the future holds. Right now, we are focused on getting the additional aircraft, personnel and equipment in place with as little negative impact as possible. 

No U.S. or Korean civilian employees will be moving as a part of the test. Employees who were working in a position specific to Ops/MX may be reassigned to other available work in their groups or in 8 MSG for the test’s duration.