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  • John Okonski, 51st Fighter Wing historian, works to preserve wing history at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 15, 2013. Accurate and timely historical reporting provides decision-makers with information they can use to improve the combat capability of the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alexis Siekert)

    Historian preserves 51st Fighter Wing's heritage

    Tucked away in a quiet office surrounded by books, photos and newspapers dating back to the start of World War II, the historian, John Okonski, works to preserve the 51st Fighter Wing's proud heritage. Historians are responsible for collecting current event information for historical documentation to maintain accurate accounts for the future as
  • Staff Sgt. Damian Anderson, 51st Security Forces Squadron town patrolman, listens to his radio communication system during a patrol of the Songtan Entertainment District outside of Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 4, 2013. The town patrol team’s primary mission is force protection and handling any off base law enforcement issues involving Department of Defense personnel. Each patrol team consists of at least two 51st SFS members and a KATUSA, or Korean Augmentee to the U.S. Army member. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla)

    Town patrolmen protect, serve

    By day, the streets of the Songtan Entertainment District are a scene of hustle and bustle with hundreds of vendors clamoring for the business of both serious and window shoppers. The area known as 'downtown' houses multiple restaurants, clothing, gift and alteration shops. But at night, the area's main attractions are its cluster of bars and
  • Staff Sgt. Jessicca Montague, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron distribution vehicle operator, speaks with Staff Sgt. Nathan Ronimous, 731st Air Mobility Squadron passenger service supervisor, about Space-Available travel at the Osan passenger terminal on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 23, 2013. Space-A is travel authorized by the Department of Defense for passengers to occupy the surplus of seats after all space-required passengers and cargo have been accommodated. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alexis Siekert)

    Space-A makes traveling more affordable

    For service members and their families, being stationed overseas can make traveling more accessible, yet the costs can still be expensive. Through the Space-Available travel program, getting around can be much more affordable. Space-A travel, also known as hops, are open seats in military owned or contracted aircraft not being filled by people on
  • Staff Sgt. Stephanie Clark, 51st Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster, reads data from a tactical weather system monitor at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 23. The tactical weather system records data such as precipitation possibility, visibility levels, wind speed, and lightning detection just like weather sensors in the airfield would. Weather forecasters at Osan are responsible for providing timely and accurate weather information in support of all the 51st Fighter Wing’s flying operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika)

    Rain or shine Osan forecasters look to the sky

    As an A-10 Thunderbolt approached its target during a training exercise, its pilot tactfully maneuvered the aircraft through the cloudy skies. He then prepped the aircraft to drop its Mark-82 bombs and banked toward the cloud cover's opening just seconds before munitions release. As the pilot pulled away from his now destroyed target, he thought,
  • Capt. Mari Metzler, left, 51st Medical Group aerospace and operational physiologist flight commander, demonstrates landing a 1983 Cessna 172, while Yon San Yun, 51st Force Support Squadron Flight Training Center instructor pilot, grades her performance on the flightline at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 8, 2013. During her practice flight, Metzler performed three different landings. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alexis Siekert)

    Aero club gives Osan Airmen wings

    Every Airman, no matter their job, is no stranger to the roar of an aircraft passing overhead. As many will look up to watch it pass, some may aspire to pilot an aircraft themselves. Through the Osan Aero Club, any Airman can do just that. The Osan Flight Training Center, casually known as the Osan Aero Club, provides flight training and

  • TAP GPS gives veterans roadmap to civilian life

    The updated Transition Assistance Program- Goals, Plan, Success implemented in November 2012, makes the five-day workshop mandatory for separating service members under the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act. Originally established in the 1990s to support the large number of military members separating during the post-Desert Storm drawdown, TAP is a
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    One, only small country inside Republic of Korea

    A world of its own, and only two hours from Osan, Nami Island is one the most unique and creative attractions on the peninsula. Renamed the Namira Republic in 2006 after declaring their cultural independence, the imaginary country offers a variety of activities for visitors seeking to get lost in a world of creativity. With little knowledge of the
  • Members of the Osan Junior Enlisted Council dance in a chorus line at the Osan Junior Enlisted Council Burger Burn on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea April 5, 2013. To raise money for the council, OJEC members OJEC sold food items to passersby the main gate from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Emerson Nunez)

    OJEC - For Airmen, by Airmen

    As Airmen, it is the responsibility of each individual to adapt to military profession's requirements, achieve technical proficiency and become productive service members. Besides being proactive within the workplace, members are often charged to be productive in the community as well, making professional enhancement and career development an
  • First Lt. Clancy Morrical, 36th Fighter Squadron pilot, stands by her F-16 Fighting Falcon. Morrical is Osan’s only female pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alexis Siekert)

    Female fighter pilot stands alone

    Women's History Month is a recognition of the achievements of those who have paved the way. Only 36 years ago, the first Air Force female pilots took to the sky, and ever since, barriers have continued to shatter in avionics.Today, there are 62,112 women actively serving in the Air Force making up less than 20 percent of the force, according to the
  • Tech. Sgt. Tony Anderson, right, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron Mongrel Self Help Store NCO in charge, gives paint supplies to Senior Airman Kimberlie Weiss, 51st CES operations support section customer service representative, at the Mongrel Self Help Store in Bldg. 657 on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 28. Airmen and dependents can utilize the self-help store for items needed to repair minor issues in dorms and base facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristina Overton)

    ‘Do-it-yourself’ store helps Airmen maintain base facilities

    With the various Air Force budget constraints, Airmen have had to find new and innovative ways to complete the mission. From building renovation projects to simple base beautification, it's become more and more common for individuals to take on these tasks instead of contracting them out. One of the ways they do this is through 'do-it-yourself'
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