Wolf Pack trains on ground, in the sky with ROKAF fighter squadron

U.S. Air Force Capt. David Lee, 35th Fighter Squadron pilot, taxis during a U.S.-Republic of Korea buddy squadron event at Cheonju Air Base, ROK, July 25, 2023. The 35th FS trained alongside the Republic of Korea Air Force 151st FS, flying side-by-side with ROKAF F-35 Lightning IIs for the first time since the ROK Ministry of Defense acquired the fifth-generation aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

Wolf Pack trains on ground, in the sky with ROKAF fighter squadron

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron takes off during a U.S.-Republic of Korea buddy squadron event at Cheonju Air Base, ROK, July 25, 2023. The event is regularly held to give pilots from both countries a chance to learn with and from each other while strengthening shared tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

Wolf Pack trains on ground, in the sky with ROKAF fighter squadron

From right, U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Hansen, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, Republic of Korea Air Force Lt. Col. Young Jun Kim, 151st FS commander, and ROKAF Capt. Micheol Rho, 151st FS F-35 Lightning II pilot, man the operations tower during a U.S.-ROK buddy squadron event at Cheonju Air Base, ROK, July 26, 2023. Buddy squadron events allow fighter and maintenance squadrons from both countries to work and learn from each other while honing shared tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

Wolf Pack trains on ground, in the sky with ROKAF fighter squadron

Republic of Korea Air Force Capt. Hyun Yong Sim, 151st Fighter Squadron F-35 Lightning II pilot, briefs upcoming flight plans for the U.S.-ROK buddy squadron event between the 151st FS and U.S. Air Force 35th FS pilots at Cheonju Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 25, 2023. A tradition older than 20 years, the ROKAF and USAF have a history of training together to reinforce partnership and shared tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Samuel Earick)

Wolf Pack trains on ground, in the sky with ROKAF fighter squadron

Republic of Korea Air Force Maj. Choi Sun Ltya, right, 151st Fighter Squadron F-35 Lightning II pilot, details event plans with U.S. Air Force Capt. David Lee, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, during a U.S.-ROK buddy squadron event at Cheonju Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 25, 2023. This was the first time that Cheonju AB hosted a buddy squadron event with the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

Wolf Pack trains on ground, in the sky with ROKAF fighter squadron

From left, U.S. Air Force Capt. Phillip Warden, Capt. Jonathan Kline, and Capt. Tyler Hansen, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots, discuss flight plans during a U.S.-ROK buddy squadron event at Cheonju Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 25, 2023. ROKAF’s 151st FS led the event involving ROKAF F-35 Lightning IIs and USAF F-16 Fighting Falcons, where Airmen from both countries trained in a wide array of scenarios over the course of a week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

Wolf Pack trains on ground, in the sky with ROKAF fighter squadron

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nicholas Debonis, left, and Capt. Jonathan Kline, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots, don their flight suits during a U.S.-Republic of Korea buddy squadron event at Cheonju Air Base, ROK, July 25, 2023. The event gave Airmen from both countries a chance to work together and learn from each other while honing shared tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

Wolf Pack trains on ground, in the sky with ROKAF fighter squadron

U.S. Air Force Capt. Phillip Warden, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, signals a 35th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief while taxiing to the runway during a U.S.-Republic of Korea buddy squadron event at Cheonju Air Base, ROK, July 25, 2023. The 35th FS worked in tandem with ROKAF’s 151st FS to complete a series of training events during the week to reinforce partnership as well as share tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

Wolf Pack trains on ground, in the sky with ROKAF fighter squadron

Published July 31, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

CHEONGJU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

Continuing a tradition that dates back more than 20 years, U.S. Air Force Airmen trained alongside Republic of Korea Air Force counterparts during a U.S.-ROK Buddy Squadron event, July 24-28.

During the week-long exercise, Airmen from the 35th Fighter Squadron and 35th Fighter Generation Squadron, assigned to Kunsan AB, planned, operated, flew and debriefed together with their 151st FS ROKAF counterparts.

It was the first time Cheongju AB hosted a buddy squadron event and provided the chance for 35th FS F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots to train alongside the 151st FS’s fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

“This Buddy Squadron event is the first time we have had the opportunity to train with the 8th Fighter Wing and being able to practice with our partners, to integrate between fourth and fifth-generation aircraft,” said ROKAF Maj. Shoi Sun Ltya, 151st Fighter Squadron F-35 Lightning II pilot. “We were able to sync tactics, develop our skills and improve the relationship between our pilots.”

The main objective of the training was to strengthen the Alliance by improving the interoperability of U.S and ROK forces.

“Our U.S. and ROKAF combined force operations are essential to maintaining stability on the Korean peninsula,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Matthew Bittner, 35th FS F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot. “The training allows us the opportunity to bridge some of the gaps that we have in the way that we do things and helps us build cohesion by operating together toward a common goal.”

While the pilots worked to complete flying requirements together, the maintenance squadrons worked to make sure the planes were kept in fighting shape.

“Here at Cheongju, ROKAF maintainers also service F-16s, so the equipment used for maintenance that we might not have on hand, they do-- and have been more than willing to provide assistance,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel Fisher, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron flightline expediter. “Being able to reach out and work with my ROKAF counterparts has been very beneficial.”

Throughout the week, Airmen from both countries improved their capabilities while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-ROK Alliance through focused training both in the air and on the ground.