Gunsan-Saemangeum Air Show strengthened friendships, showcased capabilities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Continuing a tradition of community involvement and public trust, the 8th Fighter Wing, along with its Republic of Korea Air Force counterpart, the 38th Fighter Group and the City of Gunsan, hosted an air show here Oct. 8 and 9.

The air show, formally known as the 2011 Gunsan-Saemangeum Air Show, featured many static displays and performances from across the Pacific Air Forces and Korean peninsula.

One local national from Daejun City said she really enjoyed her time at the air show and liked seeing the capabilities of both their air force and the U.S. Air Force together.

"The show was really exciting," said Jin Sun-Jung. "It was dizzying, but quite impressive to see the jets falling down as they performed."

Though the jets weren't actually "falling down," they were actually performing aerial maneuvers. Capt. Garrett Omohundro, the 35th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations, explained the importance of showcasing air power to the public and what it meant to him to participate during a media interview with Korean reporters before the show.

"We [were] very excited to have all the surrounding citizens come out and watch the air show," Omohundro said. "You guys are an excellent host nation for us. [The air show] was our way to give something back to you and allow you all to see some of the things you allow us to do here on a daily basis. I'm very grateful for the Korean people in the surrounding communities."

Omohundro flew sorties during the combat search and rescue exercise as part of this year's air show. Though flying and aerial demonstrations at the seawall weren't the only opportunities, located at the hammerhead gate of the taxi way on base, Koreans and Americans alike found more than 15 different static displays, food, souvenirs, staged performances by local bands and clowns, and even an opportunity to hug American Forces Network's Eagle.

"This was a great opportunity to share our skills with our Korean partners on the peninsula," said Senior Airman James Helmick, 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member. "It was a great opportunity to strengthen our friendship with those we serve and those we protect."

Helmick and his crew of three weapons load crew members displayed their job through a load crew demonstration at their static display. These "Pantons" took the opportunity to show the Wolf Pack and its partners what they do.

"It's what we do every day," Helmick said. "This gave us the platform to showcase what it takes to generate for standard combat operations. The pilots flying the aircraft is very visual, but what we do behind the scenes is equally as important. So it was just nice to have people out and show them another aspect of the mission."

Helmick, along with many other organizations from across base, enjoyed interacting with the locals as well.

"This has been a great opportunity to show the community we're here for them," said Tech. Sgt. Alex Retamoza, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter.

The firefighters brought out various pieces of equipment, including their Striker 1500 fire and rescue response vehicle. Having fun with the kids, Retamoza and his coworkers showed the Korean youngsters the pressure and distance capabilities of their favorite truck.

Also interacting with the kids, the 8th Operations Support Squadron brought out their F-16 Fighting Falcon cockpit trainer so the locals could get a taste of what operations are like in the jet. Participants also had the opportunity for a "green-screened" photo in the cockpit made to look like they were actually flying the machine.

"It's fun to get out and do an activity with our Korean hosts," said Tech. Sgt. Garrett Miller, 8th OSS air traffic control watch supervisor. "It's always nice to see their appreciation for us being here."

Miller volunteered at the 8th OSS cockpit simulation booth with the kids. He said it was really exciting and enjoyed the personal touch.

Though the air show was one way of giving back to the community, Col. Stephen Williams, 8th FW vice commander, said the Wolf Pack can't complete its mission without the continued support of the Korean nationals.

"Thank you for your support of Kunsan Air Base and for taking care of our Airmen," he said. "Thank you for helping us keep the Republic of Korea free and safe."