'Buddy Wing' wraps up at Osan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Airmen of Osan's 25th Fighter Squadron and the Republic of Korea's 237th Tactical Fighter Squadron trained together this week during the spring "Buddy Wing" exercise, which concluded April 15.

Buddy Wing is designed to introduce and review tactics, exchange ideas, and improve interoperability between U.S. Air Force and ROKAF pilots, maintainers and support personnel.

The exercise kicked off April 13 as the 237th TFS Airmen arrived here in their KA-1 aircraft, followed by an afternoon of academics and briefings with the 25th FS. Over the next two days, 25th FS A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KA-1 aircraft participated in air training exercises, flying joint missions based on simulated scenarios.

Maj. Jwa-Ryong Park, 237th TFS intelligence commander and pilot, said that it was a great opportunity for the Airmen to share valuable knowledge with their allies.

"The A-10 pilots are very proficient and have a lot of combat experience," he said. "We have a lot of expertise flying in Korea and are very familiar with the terrain, so there is a lot we can learn from each other."

While the language barrier is always the greatest challenge, Major Park said, the training provided at Buddy Wing improves coordination and interoperability. For instance, greater familiarity with the different terminologies used during air missions can greatly enhance communication in Joint exercises and operations.

Buddy Wing exercises are held here twice annually and the 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons alternate as hosts.