Buddy Wing 16-2 takes flight over Osan skies

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

The 51st Fighter Wing hosted Buddy Wing 16-2 here Feb. 22 to 25, 2016, showcasing U.S. Airmen from the 25th Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit.

ROK air force pilots and maintainers from the 237th FS, Wonju Air Base, traveled to Osan in a continued effort to support the alliance.

“The Buddy Wing exercise creates an opportunity to share knowledge, and discuss and improve processes that can be tactically developed by both ROKAF KA-1 and U.S. Air Force A-10 pilots,” said Maj. Hwang, Jung-Hwan, 237th FS pilot. “This Buddy Wing will grant an opportunity for us to prepare and be ready to cope with unexpected situations we have never experienced in person by performing practical training where our ROKAF may lack.”

Members participating in Buddy Wing 16-2 train to build relationships and broaden their knowledge of working in a joint environment with continued training operations aimed at deterring enemy aggression.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter aircraft from the 25th FS integrated with ROK air force KA-1 Woongbi fighter aircraft from the 237th FS, to perform close air support missions.

 “Buddy Wing is conducted quarterly to integrate and conduct joint, combined missions,” said 1st Lt. Samantha Latch, 25th FS A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot. “As we fly and train together, not only are we getting to know them, but we’re increasing our capability to work together.

After 62 years, the ROK-U.S. Alliance continues to be one of the longest standing and successful alliances in modern history. Exercises such as Buddy Wing, along with other combined operations and training events, add to the continued success of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

“The exercise promotes mutual understanding and motivation to maintain a strong alliance between the ROK and U.S.,” said Hwang.

Buddy Wing 16-2 is the second in a series of joint training, combat exercises conducted this year across the peninsula. The previous Buddy Wing included U.S. Air Force 36th FS and Aircraft Maintenance Unit and the 121st FS held at Seosan Air Base, ROKAF.