Exercise Kunsan: No notice, no nonsense

  • Published
  • By 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Staff
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Sixty-years ago the armed forces of communist North Korea caught the Western world off guard as they rolled across the 38th parallel in an effort to gain domination over the Korean Peninsula. Their surprise attack was devastating. The Airmen of the Wolf Pack pledge that will never happen again as they stand ready to conduct the mission - Defend the Base, Accept Follow-on Forces and Take the Fight North.

To test that pledge members of the Wolf Pack took part in a no-notice generation April 23.

During the day-long exercise base units were tested on their ability to successfully conduct the mission at a moment's notice; and unlike most exercises, this was completed with absolutely no warning. The munitions flight bomb loaders were tested on their ability to quickly load live munitions, maintainers on their ability to generate aircraft, support personnel on their ability to enable operations, and pilots and intelligence personnel on their ability to plan rapidly and execute.

Col. Robert P. Givens, commander of the 8th Fighter Wing commented, "Unlike previous exercises, only three members of wing leadership were aware of this exercise in advance. Wolf Pack Airmen were literally tested on their ability to generate from a cold start as well as plan and execute the mission while being encumbered by the challenges of the element of surprise. It is important to make sure we won't be caught unprepared."

The exercise was a success. The Wolf Pack generated both F-16 Fighting Falcons and visiting F-15E Strike Eagles with live ordnance. The day was filled with excitement as the base populace raced against the clock to "get in the war." The exercise culminated with all aircraft taxiing to the end of the runway and then returning to their shelters.

The Wing completed the exercise in less time than required while loading more than 80,000 pounds of live ordnance with no issues. Both the aircraft and weapons were fully checked and ready to employ before they were safely restored to the hardened aircraft shelters and munitions bunkers respectively.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the Wolf Pack's performance. To begin the day thinking you are just starting a normal training day and end it with live loaded airpower ready to take the fight north is a great thing. This wing is ready to fight tonight!" said Colonel Givens.