Buddy Wing brings Kunsan, ROKAF Airmen closer

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Trisha Eldredge
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  U.S. and Korean airmen recently participated in a "Buddy Wing" exercise at Kunsan Air Base designed to exchange common flying procedures and build trust between their two nations July 19-21.

The exercise offered the 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle pilots from RAF Lakenheath, England, and the Republic of Korea Air Force's 11th Fighter Wing F-15K Slam Eagle pilots the chance to introduce and review tactics, exchange ideas and increase understanding between the two forces. The 494th FS is here to conduct training with the 8th Fighter Wing and 38th Fighter Group ROKAF pilots.

"Conducting exercises like the Buddy Wing exercise gives USAF and ROKAF pilots the chance to fly together in realistic training scenarios, the same as we would in a real combat situation," said Capt. Benjamin Dean, 494th FS pilot and Buddy Wing project officer. "After the flights we provide each other feedback on tactics or procedures we used and how we can improve for the next flight."

For Maj. Myoung Dae-Sung, 11th FW pilot, this is his first time participating in the Buddy Wing exercise, although he has participated in other joint exercises previously.

"By participating in the Buddy Wing exercise, I understand by working as a team with the USAF pilots we can conduct tactical air maneuvering," Dae-Sung said. "Also, since ROKAF pilots lack real war-time experience, we can actually fill the gap by using the experience of the USAF pilots and coordinating together in this wonderful event."

Capt. Titus Amundson, 494th FS pilot, agreed.

"I am amazed at how seamlessly we integrated the F-15Es and the F-15Ks into combat training," he said. "Despite the language and cultural barriers, Buddy Wing proved to be a class act that has refined the capability for the USAF and ROKAF to fly side by side in combat if required."

Myoung's most memorable moment was the tactical discussions between the two air forces.

"Each side pointed out differences in the important discussions so we actually learned from each other," Myoung said.

Maj. Matt Manning, 494th FS pilot,said he also felt the dialogue helped build trust.

"The Buddy Wing discussion was a great opportunity to strengthen our friendship with the host nation and more importantly our allies," he said.

Dean also said flying with the ROKAF pilots was a great opportunity to see things from a different perspective and have the chance to work with the Slam Eagle pilots.