USAF, ROKAF, Gunsan team for partnership air show

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Angela Ruiz
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic Of Korea --  The city of Gunsan worked with Republic of Korea Air Forces' and United Forces in Korea to make history, Oct. 4-5. 

Every year the city of Gunsan hosts an international auto parts exposition, but this year the city of Gunsan partnered with the 8th Fighter Wing and Republic of Korea Air Forces' 38th Fighter Group to coordinate the first Gunsan Partnership Air Show. 

The base opened its doors to the public, Oct. 4, for ground demonstrations and static display viewings of various fixed and rotary wing aircraft, hosting more than 7,000 spectators and participants. Meanwhile, Oct. 4 and 5, the city of Gunsan welcomed an audience of more than 250,000 to 'show center,' which was adjacent to the base, along the Saemangeum Seawall for aerial demonstrations. 

"This is a unique partnership that is unlike any other air show in Korea," said Maj. Stephen Pinchak, 35th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations and Kunsan air show director. "This is the first air show where we have had a combined partnership between city and both Kunsan-based militaries." 

Kunsan displayed more than 10 different ROK-US aircraft and more than 10 ground demonstrations. 

According to Maj. Pinchak, there were multiple aircraft demonstrations at show center that showcased interoperability, to include F-16 Fighting Falcons and ROKAF F-16Ks, F-15C Eagles from Kadena Air Base and ROKAF F-15K Slam Eagles. Additionally, there was a showcase of the ROKAF F-4, F-5, T-50 Supersonic Trainer, and the KT-1. 

"This has been a great opportunity for the 8th Fighter Wing to showcase some of the unique capabilities that we have here at Kunsan and the real close cooperation not only with the ROKAF who fly the same aircraft that we do on this base, but with the city of Gunsan" said Maj. Pinchak. 

This Air show provided more than just entertainment to spectators. Joint training efforts from USFK Combat Search and Rescue Airmen and Soldiers were on display. The primary operational task of the CSAR mission is to locate, communicate, and recover downed aircrews and isolated personnel; steps replicated during the show. 

"This ongoing partnership is a testament to the fact that the ROK - US Alliance is more than military," said Col. Bryan Bearden, 8th Fighter Wing commander. "It is a comprehensive partnership between all of our good neighbors, ultimately promoting freedom and democracy in this region and the world."