Commentary - First ROKAF air-to-air refueling makes history, enhances mission

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Shayne Carroll
  • 35th Fighter Squadron
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  While many servicemembers across the peninsula interact daily with their host nation counterparts, five F-16 Fighting Falcon instructor pilots, three from the 35th Fighter Squadron, had the unique opportunity to instruct fellow KF-16 pilots from the Republic of Korea Air Force.

The five instructors said they are very used to students who look, sound and think very similarly. But when eight ROKAF pilots needed instruction on the proper procedures and techniques to successfully aerial refuel their KF-16 aircraft, the task seemed daunting ... at first.

There are many ROKAF pilots who have never flown any appreciable distance from the peninsula due to the limitation of not being able to aerial refuel. By training ROKAF pilots on aerial refueling, ROK forces will introduce an ability to deploy their Air Forces as well as provide a lethal combat capability to remain on station in any conflict for a longer period of time. The ROKAF instructors trained in this bilateral operation will likely be responsible for training future members of their F-16 community.

The mission was hosted by the ROKAF 38th Fighter Group and 111th Fighter Squadron here and consisted of four upgrade pilots from Jungwon AB, three from Seosan AB, and one from Kunsan AB. The comprehensive and demanding syllabus created for the training began with academics followed by simulators and finally the flying.

Over a two week period beginning Sept. 14 and concluding Sept. 28, the U.S. instructor pilots completed 38 sorties, both day and night, to ensure the eight ROKAF pilots were provided every opportunity to learn just what it takes to aerial refuel a combat aircraft. Instruction included proper ground operations procedures, how to efficiently and effectively get to and rejoin with the tanker, as well as proper aerial refueling procedures for both two- and four ship formations.

According to Maj. Dave Francis, 35th FS assistant director of operations, one of the most challenging obstacles both the students and instructors were forced to overcome was the language barrier.

He said they had to speak slowly, "with clear, concise and correct communication."

"This was key to ensuring both myself and the upgrade pilot knew exactly what was happening at all times."

In addition to the language barrier the pilots overcame, there are basic differences in administrative procedures between our two Air Forces.

The missions were supported by KC-135 Stratotankers from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan.

Through the use of these platforms, ROKAF pilots were required to be fully briefed in the strict USAF procedures for rendezvous with a tanker and operations once the rejoin was complete. The meticulous preparation and execution of the mission resulted in safe and effective training for both the ROKAF upgrade pilots as well as the U.S. instructor pilots on every sortie.

Currently the ROKAF has no tankers in its inventory but the hope is to take the training their pilots received and continue to expand their Air Force into a more formidable opponent for any adversary.

There is no question that the ability to aerial refuel is a critical component for any combat aircraft and steps have already been taken to reinforce this culture of compliance and excellence. There is no doubt our relationship with the Republic of Korea Air Force will only grow stronger as a result of this training. It was our instructor pilots whose tireless efforts provided the catalyst for a successful bilateral operation.