8th fighter wing wolfpack
(U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), An official website of the United States government, SLIDESHOW | 0 images | BSC: Looking after the Wolf Pack, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. This was done from Itazuke Air Base, Japan. This included the P-40 and P-38 Lightning, accounting for 124 kills during missions. Kadena Air Base, Japan, saw the deployment of U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. Chris Drager (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron physical therapist, guides a patient lifting weights at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. By Senior Airman Shannon Braaten, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea -- Members of the Wolf Pack bid farewell to Col. John Wolf 2 Caldwell, 8th Fighter Wing vice commander after completing his fini-flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 25, 2023. Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. They have also been stationed in The Netherlands, East Indies and the Philippines. Pictured here are revetments and F-4s of the 8th TFW at Ubon, To quote the 176th EFS Commander: In order to provide you with the best possible experience on our website, we use cookies. WebThe Official Website of the 908th Airlift Wing. Here at Kunsan Air Base, we train with the 38th Fighter Group of the ROKAF. This was of great help to the eager and willing to learn Airmen of the 8th FW. G. Shoemaker once mentioned: , Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. It is rather strange to be here, maybe its just me but you can feel the tension. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and get notified when new articles are published. Members of the Air Force bioenvironmental engineering career field work to ensure healthy and safe working conditions for Airmen through the management and monitoring of various programs such as industrial hygiene, radiological health and environmental protection. Robin Olds, leading the first of three flights of F-4s, scored the first MiG of his tour. In the spring and summer of 1966, before the arrival of Col. Robin Olds, the 555th and the 476th Tactical Fighter Squadrons joined the 8th TFW. The war games came a week after North Korea test-fired its most powerful missile ever, an ICBM that may be able to target the eastern seaboard of the United States. The following day, a cartoon appeared in newspapers around the country, showing LBJ holding his fainting Official Vietnam Line, admonished by a scolding, heavily-medaled and mustachioed old fighter pilot. The base also houses the U.S. Armys 2nd Batallion, 1st Air Defense Artillery. In mid-January 1967, increasingly frustrated by missions planned and ordered by the White House and Pentagon brass back in Washington, Robin decided to grow a mustache deliberately out of limits, knowing it would inflame his bosses and inspire his crews. WebKunsan Air Base is home to the 8th Fighter Wing which is known as the Wolf Pack, a nickname given during the command of Colonel Robin Olds back in 1966. Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea -- Members of the Wolf Pack bid farewell to Col. John Wolf 2 Caldwell, 8th Fighter Wing vice commander after completing his WebThe United States Air Force 8th Fighter Wing (8 FW) is the host unit at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea and is assigned to Seventh Air Force. The 35. The 80th continues to support the United States in Korea with the same pride and excellence instilled in the squadron from the Headhunters of the past. The 8th Operation Group trains and equips the 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons (nicknames: Pantons and Juvats) in order to conduct air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. Copyright 2012-2023 Aviation Photography Digest. (Eagle). Original material featuring air forces from around the world, High quality photographs tell the visual story. When the president asked how he proposed he should do that, Robin replied, "It's simple! When the 80, In the period leading up to the Vietnam Conflict, the 80th was one of the first units to send pilots and planes to Thailand where they would fly missions against North Vietnam. 24 of its pilots (Head Hunters) became aces, of which Captain Richard L. Bong became the American ace-of-aces. Feel free to contact us using the form below: Late October, its around 70F and slightly foggy. The 8th Maintenance Group is tasked with the daily flying and maintenance operations. Kunsan AFB and its 8th FW is home to more than 2,800 active-duty personnel, mostly U.S. Air Force (2750) but also U.S. Army (185), U.S. DoD civilians (28), Korean nationals (450) and family members (50-100). MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. He regularly writes books for Veldhuis Media Group. It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. This was done with the aforementioned F-80 Shooting Star. Examples of the services provided by the physical therapy clinic include posture and gait analysis, strengthening, stretching, joint manipulation, pre- and post-surgical orthopedic rehabilitation, and health and fitness information. F-16 F-35B, F-22 . Thats the 8th Fighter Wings motto, nicknamed the Wolf Pack. Forces in May of 2017. Sudden media attention became focused on the 8th TFW and Robin Olds following Bolo. Entering combat in 1942 in the Pacific during WWII, another wide variety of aircraft were flown. Both meetings were contentious. The legend of the maverick Robin Olds had been fully born. Its mission is to deliver lethal airpower when and where directed, including interdiction, close air support, counter air, air superiority and suppression of enemy air defenses. I am standing in front of Kunsan Air Base, waiting for the Public Affairs Officer. One photograph in particular showed his youngest daughter, Susan, playfully mimicking her father's mustache with a strand of long hair above her upper lip. To quote the 176th EFS Commander: The TSP is part of the Air Forces long-term initiatives to provide extra security in places where we need it.. During the early morning BOLO briefing on January 2nd, 1967, Robin Olds, inspired by his WWII group commander, Col. Hub Zemke and his notorious 56th FG Wolf Pack, urged his 8th Wing pilots with a rallying cry, "Go get 'em Wolf Pack!". A warm welcome was felt in a time of heightened tension. By the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. G. Shoemaker once mentioned: The ironclad alliance between the US and Republic of Korea is evident in everything we do. Memorabilia at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. The mental health clinic is made up of both officers and enlisted personnel, who can teach and treat patients under their commissioned counterparts licenses. His love for military aviation began in 1980. The meeting with President Lyndon Johnson was tense, as the combat weary colonel said, "Sir, with all due respect to you as my Commander-in-Chief, get us the hell out of this god-damned war!" Robin arrived on September 23, 1966 to find squadrons demoralized by mounting losses of pilots and aircraft due to enemy MiG forces, surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) units and multiple early warning radar systems. The first assigned aircraft wing at Kunsan was the 3rd Bombardment Wing, on August 22, 1951. It was in September 1974 that the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was assigned to Kunsan Air Base. The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. Wolf Pack tail no. It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The squadron performs a wide variety of activities such as air-and-space control, counter air, strategic attack, interdiction and close-air support missions. WebThe 8th Fighter Wing is responsible for conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions in the 45 F-16s assigned to the wing. It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. The 80th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing. The 8th TFW pilots (mostly in their early to mid-twenties) looked with distrust at this "old" guy who hadn't flown combat since WWII. Their major goal: Making the 8th FW & 7th AF commanders feel that they were a viable asset and of great support to the active duty squadrons. During the second half of 2017, the 118th Fighter Wing was stationed here for several months. Following the wars end, they moved to Fukuoka Air Base in Japan to fly the P-51 Mustang. (Capt.) From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. The Badgers took part in two large-scale exercises during their three months in Korea, working together with the active 80th & 35th FS. All rights reserved. The legend of The 8th Mission Support Group is tasked with supporting the base with civil engineering, communications, base defense, services, logistic readiness and overall mission support. Seventh Air Force falls under (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. This enables day or night, all weather capabilities. Weve developed our ability to train and fight together through RED FLAGs and our Peninsula-wide exercises MAX THUNDER and VIGILANT ACE. The squadron accounted for 225 enemy aircraft destroyed during the course of the war, receiving 10 battle honors and three Distinguished Unit Citations. 1966 . It is tasked with conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions with the 45 F-16s that are assigned to the wing. The U.S. Army recaptured the base, together with Kunsan City, two months later. Met by a large group of Pentagon officials, journalists, and photographers, he embraced his wife and daughters before posing for photos. Published April 6, 2023 By Senior Airman Shannon Braaten, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs KUNSAN AIR BASE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA The Wolf Pack welcomed Pacific Air Forces Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Mr. Anthony Cruz Unoz at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 5-6, 2023. This week across the Air Force, Jan. 23-27, is Biomedical Sciences Corps (BSC) Appreciation Week, a week to highlight the men and women who comprise the BSC and all that they bring to the fight. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. They oversaw the bases reconstruction. The first airbase where he photographed was Soesterberg, Netherlands where the 32 TFS was stationed with the F-15. Block 40 F-16s were received in 2000, these aircraft carried Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pods, enabling the Wolf Pack to take the fight into the night. This is done to provide a deterrent against threats for both security and stability in the region. In his first pilot briefing, Olds ordered them sternly to teach him well because he'd be leading them over North Vietnam within two weeks. In the spring of 1967, North Vietnam put a bounty of $25,000 on Col. Olds' head, payable to any pilot who could shoot down and hopefully cause the high-visibility capture of the North's "most-wanted" enemy. Air Force Chief of Staff, General John P. McConnell, ordered him to shave off his mustache before starting his new job as Commandant at the Air Force Academy in order to be a proper influence on cadets. This goes to show the tension and threat, something that I certainly felt during my time at Kunsan. Apart from the 2,750 Air Force members stationed at Kunsan Air Base, it also employs 158 Army soldiers, 28 U.S. civilians and more than 420 local national appropriated and non-appropriated employees. She became the first to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1981, together with its sister squadron; the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron. From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. It was part of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Theater Security Package (TSP) which, on a routine basis, deploys fighter aircraft to the U.S. Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces. As the squadron was re-designated the 35th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) and moved to Mitchell Field, N.Y., they started flying the P-40 Warhawk. WebBy the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. The 80th was stationed at various bases during the battle for Korea, where it remained in continuous combat during the entire conflict. In October 1969, 7th Air Force chose the 8th TFW for a night Fast FAC assignment flying interdiction against the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Flying under the call sign "Night Owl", the FACs dropped flares to illuminate air strikes against chokepoints along the Trail. (Operation BOLO) Wolf Pack( ) . "The Bad Boy Commander of Operation Bolo" by Don Hollway, https://www.historynet.com/bad-boy-commander-operation-bolo/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_vietnammag&fbclid=IwAR17gJAgwiaEG6Phyc-gDIMcVFSYYapttd8Z3f7OF8JIrf64prMQ_SKMusA, Today in Aviation History: Operation Bolo, https://warbirdsnews.com/warbird-articles/today-in-aviation-history-operation-bolo.html, Aces & Aerial Victories, US Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965-1973:https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001329821/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-010.pdf, The Robin Olds Factor; Air Force magazine June 1, 2008.https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0608olds/. The 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron joined later in June 1967. The TSP demonstrated the U.S. commitment to stability and security in the region but also ensures that the Wolf Pack remains ready to Fight Tonight. Such language is typical in North Korean propaganda because the country claims US-South Korean drills are preparation for invasion. TWS is the largest online Public health officers manage programs that focus on the following: food safety and public facility sanitation, disease surveillance and prevention, force health management and medical readiness, vector surveillance and entomology, and occupational and environmental health. Peter has written books about NAS Fallon, Red Flag and the Japanese Airforce. Generations of U.S. Air Force members have aspired to become members of the Wolf Pack (8th Fighter Wing), to be stationed at Kunsan and for the opportunity to get after the mission with our ROK brothers and sisters. The Wolf Pack is the most tight-knit, lethal unit in the US Air Force, and the Airmen of the Wolf Pack are extremely skilled at their craft.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. The 8th Fighter Wing consists of four groups, each carrying the responsibility for the wings operations, maintenance, support & medical functions. The cumulative losses forced the North Vietnamese Air Force to ground their remaining aircraft, reassess tactics and retrain crews for four full months. The 8th Medical Group is tasked with managing the medical clinic, offering flight & general medicine, dentistry and military public health services. All 8th TFW squadrons flew F-4Cs until F-4Ds replaced the older aircraft in 1967. This ensures the bases protection against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Regardless of the location of the 8th FW F-16 assets, Airmen at the 8th OSS weather flight continue to support the Wolf Packs flying mission. In December, Robin brought over his former Director of Operations from the 81st FW at RAF Bentwaters, Col. Daniel "Chappie" James, to be his DO, and later, vice-wing commander at Ubon. Established in Japan shortly after WWII, the 8th Fighter Wing went through varying operations as fighter-interceptor and fighter-bomber wings, first providing air defense for the islands and then flying combat missions during the Korean War. On April 8, 2022, the 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, said goodbye to its aging C-130H aircraft. Now the wing is working to transition to providing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter training, bringing together Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force Reserve Command for the first time. Hammer is a BEE officer by trade and now leads one of the two squadrons containing biomedical service corps personnel at the 8th Fighter Wing. 021 returned to 8th FW operations after about seven weeks away for maintenance, where the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centers Post Block Integration Team project, provided the aircraft with the first wave of 22 modifications designed to improve F-16 lethality to meet the needs of current and future operations. 70 . It was originally an aircraft maintenance squadron, as the unit served in France from 1917 to 1919. Four F-16s take to the South Korean skies with afterburners. We enjoy friendships at a personal level while providing for the collective defense of the peninsula and the region. The lab at the 8th MDG is uniquely trained in lifesaving emergency blood procedures and detection of bioterrorism agents in support of wartime operations. It scored the final American aerial victories of the war on the 14th of August, 1945. (Click to play). This ranged from striking the enemys front line to missions deep behind the lines to hit supply routes, bridges, build-ups and heavy troop concentrations. Approximately 250 Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fighter Squadron from Colorado Air National Guard Base were stationed here. It was the start of the most impactful and far-reaching assignment of his 30-year USAF career. Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. As the family left together in an Air Force staff car, Robin was informed he had to report immediately to his boss in the Pentagon, followed by a visit to the White House. Flying the P-39, it scored its first victory within a month when it engaged and destroyed six enemy aircraft. 8 (Robin Olds) . December also began the planning for Operation BOLO, a tactic to disguise flights of F-4s as F-105s, which were flying bombing missions so routine (as ordered by Washington) that North Vietnamese MiGs and SAM missles easily shot them out of the sky. LeAnne Mullinax (right), 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron mental health element chief, engages with maintainers from the 80th Fighter Generation Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 26, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), 1st Lt. Makayla Arcara, 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron officer in charge of bioenvironmental engineering officer in charge, takes an air sample at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. (For detailed description of Operation Bolo, see: MiG Sweep by Walter Boyne, November 1, 1998, Aces & Aerial Victories, US Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965-. The 80th Fighter Squadron was activated during WWII, in 1942, as the 80th Pursuit Squadron at Mitchell Field, NY. After receiving the first phase of one of the largest modernization efforts in U.S. Air Force F-16 program history, an upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcon rejoined the 8th 8th OSS forecasting the fight. They were joined by 79 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force, flying top cover for the Wing in F-86s. Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Maj. Brock McNabb (left), 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (OMRS) mental health flight commander, laughs with Tech. December also began the planning for Operation BOLO, a tactic to disguise flights of F-4s as F-105s, which were flying bombing missions so routine (as ordered by Washington) that North Vietnamese MiGs and SAM missles easily shot them out of the sky. It was, upon its return to the United States, demobilized during the American disarmament. With Kunsan maintaining a constant state of readiness, these professionals are extra sharp in delivering trusted care, improving the 8th Fighter Wings health and underwriting the Wolf Packs lethality. All military members live on base in dormitories. It was mainly tasked with escorting light to medium bombers and ground support attacks. 8 . The aircrews' initial scepticism quickly turned to respect for the "old guy's" leadership style and obvious proficiency in the F-4. About the presence of U.S. forces at Kunsan, the 8th FW Commander Col. David. Its not like any other base that Ive visited, less relaxed maybe. But if called upon to defend our neighbors and allies, may God have mercy on the Wolf Packs prey.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. Its mission is to be prepared to execute immediate air combat operations against any aggressors threatening the United States or the Republic of Korea. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/change-of-command-49712/. This iconic mustache became the visible symbol of the fighting spirit of the Wolf Pack and its renegade leader. 25 1951 We go together! The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. WebFind 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - Wolf Pack unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1198sweep/), NMUSAF PR Video: Robin speaking of his love for his ground crews. ( ! It is one of two ) . Its mission includes air interdiction, close air support, The squadron received P-38 Lightning aircraft in January of 1943, which it operated throughout the rest of the war. 38 70 . Redesignated the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and flying USAF's newest fighter aircraft, the F-4C Phantom, the wing joined other USAF, Navy and Marine bases in the SEA theater flying combat missions to North Vietnam. the capability of the ROKAF/USAF has improved exponentially. Vincent Antwi, 8th HCOS pharmacy technician, in taking inventory at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. . Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. Even though operations differ between National Guard, Reserve and active duty units, the advantage for the 176th turned out to be experienced instructor pilots. The squadron moved to Okinawa in August 1944, where it saw immediate action, flying missions against the Japanese mainland. OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- After receiving the first phase of one of the largest modernization efforts in U.S. Air Force F-16 program history, an upgraded (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. (Maj.) Tanviben Patel, 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron public health flight commander, inspects food at the dining facility on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 24, 2023. , . The 8th Fighter Wing renders a salute during the 8th FW change of command at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 1, 2021. On September 30, 1966, Col. Robin Olds took official charge of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon RTAFB, near Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. The Armys 2nd Battalion, the 1st Air Defense Artillery, consists of the Charlie and Delta missile batteries. Beyond the initial distribution of medication, the pharmacys mission is comprised of several programs such as walk-in treatment for acute issues expedited by a pharmacist after a brief visit, smoking cessation and assisting Airmen with translating and filling prescriptions from off-base providers. However, at the start of the Korean Conflict in July 1950, North Korean forces occupied Kunsan Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. (Maj.) Joshua Dalzell (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron (HCOS) pharmacist, assists Staff Sgt.