Osan utilizes alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24

Airmen from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron view an activated alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 29, 2023. The ALS converts a taxiway into a runway, allowing pilots to operate despite damaged runways. This enables pilots to execute the Fight Tonight mission during contingencies. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)

Airmen from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron prepare an alternate landing strip for an F-16 Fighting Falcon landing during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 29, 2023. The ALS is activated on the taxiway and turns it into a runway during contingencies. This reallocation of flightline space allows pilots to continue operating even if the runways are damaged. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)

Osan utilizes alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24

Lt. Col. Andrew Myers, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron commander, and Capt. Miki Mullen, 51st Operations Support Squadron director of staff, oversees as an alternate landing strip is activated during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 29, 2023. The ALS is a contingency to losing operational function of Osan’s main runways. This reallocation of flightline space allows pilots to continue operating even with damaged runways. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)

Osan utilizes alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Julyon Moton, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron barrier maintenance non-commissioned officer in charge, prepares for a F-16 Fighting Falcon to utilize an alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 29, 2023. In contingency environments, the ALS is activated when the main runway sustains heavy damage, which allows pilots to maintain readiness and continue flying operations. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aubree Owens)

Osan utilizes alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24

Published Nov. 1, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Aubree Owens
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron prepare for a F-16 Fighting Falcon to utilize an alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 29, 2023. In contingency environments, the ALS is activated when the main runway sustains heavy damage, which allows pilots to maintain readiness and continue flying operations. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels.