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ROK delegation surveys alliance air power

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – Key leaders from the Republic of Korea Air Force, Seventh Air Force and the 51st Fighter Wing hosted a Korean Congressional Delegation visit at Osan Air Base, ROK, Oct. 25, 2018.

The delegation, made up of members from the Republic of Korea National Defense Committee, conduct annual site inspections for the ROK Air Force, which include observing flight line operations. 

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Scott Lumpkin, Seventh Air Force command chief, greets members of the National Defense Committee at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 25, 2018. The NDC conducted an Air Force Operations Command site inspection and observed flight line operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)
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Eighty personnel received an up-close look at aircraft assigned to the ROK and U.S. Air Force to better understand the strong alliance between the countries. 

Upon arrival to Osan, the delegation received custom Korean Air Operations Command flight jackets and hats, followed by a tour of the KAOC.

“Being stationed at Osan Air Base provides us with a great opportunity to work hand in hand with U.S. service members,” said Maj. Jung, Yong Duk, ROKAF Air Component Command coordinator. “This partnership creates an environment that fosters a mutual understanding with a chance to learn each other’s strength for growth.”

Pilots assigned to Osan presented a display and gave short briefings about both U.S. and ROK aircraft from their respective units, including the U-2 Dragon Lady, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15K Slam Eagle, KF-16 Fighting Falcon, FA-50, and a Boeing 737 AEW&C. 

A member of the Republic of Korea National Defense Committee sits in the cockpit of a ROK Air Force F-15K Slam Eagle at Osan Air Base, ROK, Oct. 25, 2018. The NDC received a variety of ROK status reports and participated in an aircraft and munitions display tour. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)
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"It's always impressive and inspiring that the U.S. and ROK can work seamlessly together, regardless if it is in the air or in everyday interaction,” said Maj. Andrew Behm, 5th Reconnaissance Squadron pilot. “It's great to work with partners that make even a static tour easy and enjoyable to do."

During the display, the delegation conducted surveys and received status reports on key assets from different units assigned to Osan. They were also able to sample liquidized food eaten by U-2 pilots assigned to the 5th RS here during long flights.

“I would like to thank the U.S. service members at Osan Air Base for their sincere and active cooperation when helping organize the 2018 Parliamentary Audit AFOC Site Survey,” said Capt. Chu, Me Jung, ROKAF Air Component Command coordinator. “Their heartfelt support was essential for the survey and led to its success.”