Alternate surface, same Wolf Pack mission

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron takes off from an alternate departure and landing surface at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 1, 2023. When the ADLS is activated, a taxiway becomes an active air strip allowing aircraft to take-off and land despite damage to the main runway. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jovan Banks)

Alternate surface, same Wolf Pack mission

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron takes off from an alternate departure and landing surface at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 1, 2023. Once activated, an ADLS provides aircraft a safe and effective surface to take-off from and land on in the event the main runway is unavailable. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jovan Banks)

Alternate surface, same Wolf Pack mission

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th and 35th Fighter Squadrons taxi before take-off at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 1, 2023. F-16s at Kunsan AB are operated by the 80th FS and 35th FS and deliver airpower to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karla Parra)

Alternate surface, same Wolf Pack mission

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from an alternate departure and landing surface at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 1, 2023. The 8th Fighter Wing can activate the ADLS for use as an active air strip to launch or recover the F-16 mission in the event of damage to the main runway. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

Alternate surface, same Wolf Pack mission

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from an alternate departure and landing surface at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 1, 2023. Once activated, an ADLS provides aircraft a safe and effective surface to take-off from and land on when the main runway is unavailable. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emili Koonce)

Alternate surface, same Wolf Pack mission

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron hooks an arresting cable during a certification test at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 1, 2023. Along with certifying the arresting cable, F-16s from Kunsan AB tested the alternate departure and landing surface as an active air strip to launch or recover the F-16 mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emili Koonce)

Alternate surface, same Wolf Pack mission

An Airman assigned to 8th Maintenance Squadron retrieves an arresting cable following a certification test at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 1, 2023. Arresting cable systems are regularly certified and in an emergency are used to catch and stop an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karla Parra)

Alternate surface, same Wolf Pack mission

Published Dec. 6, 2023
By Tech. Sgt. Emili Koonce
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th and 35th Fighter Squadrons conducted training sorties during an alternate departure and landing surface activation Dec. 1.

During the ADLS activation, aircraft from both fighter squadrons used a taxiway as their primary runway. Testing ADLS capabilities ensures pilots and airfield personnel are prepared to launch airpower at a moment’s notice even without access to the main runway.

The arresting cable system, used to catch and stop aircraft that require assistance in emergencies, was also certified during the ADLS activation. Maintenance and fire response teams ensured the system performed as required before returning to normal operations.