Kunsan, Yokota Air Bases collaborate, enable U.S., ROK SOF high-altitude, high-opening jump training
U.S. Army Special Forces Soldiers assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) jump from a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, during a high-altitude, high-opening (HAHO) proficiency jump training event in preparation for Freedom Flag 24-1 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 24, 2024. During a series of HAHO jumps, a combined team of U.S. and ROK special operations forces conducted extensive ground training and orientation, graduated build-ups to altitudes of 20,000 ft above sea level, and used oxygen and assisted breathing equipment to compensate for the hypoxic environment. The ability to conduct a HAHO jump under these extreme conditions amplifies the types of missions and infiltration options SOF can support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria Umanzor Guzman)