Air Commanders take Back-Seat Rides, put ROK-US Alliance Out Front

  • Published
  • By Lt Col. René White
  • 7th Air Force Public Affairs
DAEGU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Remington, Seventh Air Force commander, Air Forces Korea was given a back-seat ride onboard the Republic of Korea  "next-generation fighter" F-15K here March 27.

"After my F-15K flight, my counterpart, Lt. Gen. Oh, flew onboard our F-16 at Osan Air Base," said General Remington. "This opportunity helps us both build a better understanding about our fighter wing operations and sets the stage for an even stronger alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States."

The ROK 11th Fighter Wing commander Brig. Gen. Park, Jae Bok hosted the ROK F-15K flight for General Remington, while the 51st Fighter Wing Commander Col. Thomas H. Deale hosted the USAF F-16 flight at Osan AB.

"Opportunities like this continue to remind me how ROK-US airmen have a decisive edge in skill, technology and operational capability," said General Oh, Chang Hwan Air Force Operations Command commander at Osan Air Base. "Words cannot express the gratitude and respect we have for our U.S. Air Force partners supporting the ROK-US Alliance," he added.

Even though both flights took place at different locations, USAF and ROKAF pre-flight procedures were very similar, including Korean/English translations and simulator and cockpit familiarization. Before the generals' flights, ROK-US crews provided flight-support gear fittings, flight briefings, preflight checks then take off. General Remington's orientation flight included simulated air-to-air and air-to-surface attacks. General Oh's night orientation flight simulated a Close Air Support mission using night vision goggles.

The pilot for the F-15K was ROKAF Maj. Yoon, Chang Bae and pilot for the F-16 was USAF Capt. Brant Reilly, 51st Fighter Wing's 36st Fighter Squadron.