Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Demonstrating Korean Air Force’s excellence … Combined operations, all clear!

KF-16 fighter and C-130H transport successfully
completed training with the U.S. and NATO
Valuable experience overcoming 8,000km-flight and severe cold

“Red Flag Alaska” training officially ended on October 17, local time. The Air Force with six KF-16 fighters, and two C-130H transports, arrived at Eilson and Elmendorf air bases, respectively, on September 24, and started the main training on October 2 after adapting to the local circumstances.

During the fighter training at Eilson, seven different models, including KF-16, the U.S. Air Force’s F-16CM, U.S. Marines’ AV-8B Harrier, NATO’s EA-18G Growler, etc., engaged in air interdiction attacking major military facilities, offensive counterair supporting friendly air power, defensive counterair intercepting enemy aircraft in the air, critical target training attacking a target that was captured in real time. Through this training, the Air Force was able to boost the combat capability of the KF-16, which is our main fighter, capabilities for combat planning, space management and attack force ability, tactical and techniques. They also had a chance to check out our Air Force’s operating ability through an aerial refueling exercise before introducing a tanker.

Meanwhile, at Elmendorf, the C-130H, the U.S. Air Force’s C-17, C-130J and MH-60 engaged in the training and provided supplies quickly and accurately through low-level terrain flight, cargo airdrop, landing at emergency runway, etc.

In the logistics area, the best efforts were made to maintain the fighters in the bad conditions of Alaska, so that they could complete their missions.

“I’m very proud of my men who flew on an 8,000km journey and finished their missions while fighting against the cold. And I’ll make my best efforts to share various records and information so that the valuable experience that pilots and technicians gained through this training can be an asset for developing the Air Force,” said Colonel Hong Sun-taek, the head of the Red Flag Alaska training group. Here are some pictures of our esteemed Korean Air Force who finished the training successfully.

By Seung-Bok, Lee < yhs920@dema.mil.kr >
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