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Holloman OG commander sees deployed F-117 operations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Collier
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Wolf Pack welcomed a special member of the 49th Fighter Wing who traveled to the Republic of Korea this week to get a first-hand look at the success of the stealth fighter's deployment.

Holloman's operations group commander Col. Jack Forsythe arrived Saturday just in time to see one of the biggest differences between Holloman and Kunsan operations. From concertina wire to concrete barriers as well as up-armored Humvees, Col. Forsythe said he had two very strong initial impressions of Kunsan.

"It's always amazing to me how much life tends to center around work at remote air bases like Kunsan." Col Forsythe said. "You can tell there is an intensity and mission focus here that makes Kunsan and the support we give to our Korean ally very unique." "Also, it's easy to see that Kunsan has changed for the better over the years. At the same time, I realized just how much you all sacrifice for your families and welfare while here. The creature comforts of home don't exist. That just jumps out at you."

During his visit, the colonel got out and embraced his Holloman pilots and maintainers alike on the flightline and tree area. He also received a traditional 'Big Coyote' briefing on how base defense forces would Defend the Base from possible North Korean special forces and even found a little time to experience this week's flying weather in the mysterious black jet.

An experienced F-16 and F-117 pilot, Col. Forsythe is no stranger to Korea. He served once before at Osan as part of the 36th Fighter Squadron and later as the 7th Air Force aide-de-camp. With his already vast knowledge of the workings of U.S. air bases in Korea, Col. Forsythe said "it's good to be at a base that really has its act together."

"Holloman has an ongoing relationship with Kunsan," he said. "We are treated immensely well by the Wolf Pack when we come here -- by both enlisted and officer ranks. And because we have a unique asset in the stealth fighter, it's good to be at a base that knows how to defend itself from attack and at the same time conduct combat operations in the face of attack."

And the colonel pointed out the 9th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron 'Flying Knights' wouldn't be as successful as they have been if it weren't for the support of the Wolf Pack. "We're very appreciative of the Wolf Pack's support," he said. "I don't think anyone exercises like the Wolf Pack does and we have a lot of lessons learned from that experience. We've jived really well with the base in all areas, and as a result we're firing on all cylinders and integrating seamlessly. Lt. Col. Kenneth Tatum's 9th EFS is doing great work here and getting great training in a unique environment. We're very proud of their contributions to the Pacific Command and Seventh Air Force commander's deterrent posture in this region, and we look forward to their return very soon."