Team Osan hosts CSARTE Published April 11, 2022 By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr. 51st Fighter Wing OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – To maintain readiness and respond to contingencies, Team Osan hosted a joint-branch training event focusing on combat search and rescue training techniques (CSARTE). The process of recovering personnel from austere locations brought together more than 200 joint service members and mission partners from the U.S Army, Navy, and ROKAF representing 27 squadrons from around the world. More than 20 different types of aircraft and 3000+ personnel made this event Osan’s largest CSARTE to date. “Anytime you add multiple branches to an event the learning and training increases exponentially,” said Capt. J.T. “Pistol” Pettet, 25th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II Pilot and Lead CSARTE Planner. We have also had tremendous support from ROKAF throughout this event.” The scenarios challenged personnel across the joint spectrum with preplanned and immediate survivor pickup locations that require integration of assets in order to execute a safe recovery of a simulated downed aircraft. Two C-130 rescue squadrons on assignment from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona and Moody Air Force Base, Georgia were on-hand to provide on-scene commander support the CSAR missions. “The C-130 crews used this training as a way to grow our rescue proficiency,” said Capt. Mike Rehme, 79th Rescue Squadron C-130J Hercules pilot. “Our role and responsibility to provide coverage in areas of responsibility helped our partners fulfill their tasks. Furthermore, we were able to continue our good communication with our partners in the air and on the ground.” The C-130s participation helped identify areas of potential threats and provide top cover as teams moved in to simulate the rescue of personnel. “In order for the entire operation to work, everyone needs to be involved and communicate effectively,” said Pettet. “The C-130s operate as an on-scene commanders, the A-10 Thunderbolts escort and find the objective, the F-16s Fighting Falcons strike targets and the rotary wing pilots carry special operators to save personnel on the ground.” With a large amount of information being passed through multiple participating personnel, it can be difficult to determine who has a need-to-know during rescue missions. Each team plays their part in the event to ensure all personnel are thoroughly informed for mission success. “There has been a lot of great learning and integration throughout this event, said Pettet. “I have been very pleased with the participation of all units during the two week training event. It is very exhausting, however everyone has maintained a great attitude throughout this event. In total I feel that the assets on peninsula are more ready now than before, shall a real world CSAR event take place.”