Yokota fuels ROK readiness exercise Published April 12, 2024 By Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members from the 36th Airlift Squadron and 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron collaborated with members of the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, and Republic of Korea Air Force for agile combat employment familiarization training, at Gimhae Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 12. The overall objective of the training was to develop bilateral interoperability of tactical airlift operations and increase coordination with the U.S. Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force. The training also helped refine ACE capabilities, an operational scheme of maneuver that is executed within threat timelines to increase resiliency and survivability while generating combat power. “This presented a valuable chance for tactical employment training within ROK against a simulated threat with ACE concepts,” said Capt. Heejoong Kim, 374th Operations Support Squadron group weapons and tactics flight commander. “This opportunity helped advance continued collaborative efforts between U.S. and ROK units.” To simulate contingency fuel operations, Yokota members utilized different methods of specialized fueling operations to refuel A-10C Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron taking part in an annual readiness exercise. “A lot of changes are being made to make us more flexible, more agile, and smarter POL force,” said Staff Sgt. Garrett Huntoon, 374th LRS fuels mobility support equipment supervisor. “We do a lot of exercise support throughout the region to gain experience on these new methods.” Petroleum, oil and lubricant technicians utilized hot pit refueling, a method that allows an aircraft to gas up immediately after landing while keeping the engines running to minimize time spent on the ground. Technicians also employed an aerial bulk fuel delivery system, a unique system that allows cargo aircraft to quickly transfer fuel to another aircraft, allowing it to quickly carry on with its mission. “We validated the effort to enhance fueling capabilities by successfully accomplishing hot refuels and ABFDS to non-local units and agencies,” said Kim. “This was a great opportunity for all the parties involved to identify the shortfalls and close the gaps in specialized fueling for ACE operations in the pacific.” The 374th Airlift Wing continues to refine tactics, techniques and procedures through bilateral integration and training with allies across the Indo-Pacific. “This event was possible through direct coordination and collaboration with our ROKAF partners for support within ROK,” said Kim. “We are looking forward to further advancing our interoperability with ROKAF and U.S. assets in the future. These initiatives are part of our continued efforts for National Defense Strategy partnership objectives and enhancing the security of the region.”