Max Thunder strengthens Korean, U.S. readiness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
GWANGJU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Airmen from across the Republic of Korea honed their mobility and readiness during the bi-lateral training exercise Max Thunder 12-1 held at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 7-18, 2012.

The joint, two-week exercise permitted the U.S. and ROK air forces to work through a variety of exercise scenarios that simulate combined operations against a hostile force.

"The purpose of this Max Thunder training is to examine and re-confirm the capability and readiness of the ROK and U.S. combined Air Force to protect peace in the air space above the Korean peninsula," said ROKAF Lt. Gen. Park Shin Kyu, Air Force Operations Command commander.

The bilateral training involved approximately 60 U.S. Air Force and ROKAF aircraft and Airmen from Osan, Kunsan, Daegu, Cheongju and Seosan air bases.

Aircraft participating in the exercise included A-10C Thunderbolt II's from the 25th Fighter Squadron, F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th and 36th FS and KF-16s Fighting Falcons, F-15K Slam Eagles, F-4E Phantom II's, C-130 Hercules, CN-235s and HH-60 Pave Hawks from the host nation.

"Max Thunder exercises are important to the readiness of the United States Air Force and our allies and ensure we are battle-ready and trained for combined air operations," said Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, 7th Air Force commander.

Throughout the exercise, Airmen proved their ability to generate day and night flight sorties, conduct joint combat search and rescue operations, accept follow-on forces, conduct wartime operations, and successfully complete combat air drops.

Although this exercise involved the U.S. and Korean allies, an Australian military contingent observed how the nations conduct and operate during exercise operations.

During a mission briefing with U.S., Korean and Australian forces, Jouas expressed the importance of our alliance to ensure the success of the overall mission.

"It doesn't matter what uniform you wear, we are all Airmen," he said. "We all bring Airpower to the fight."

The first Max Thunder was held in 2008 and has been held semi-annually since 2009.