OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- -- Team Osan’s 1st Lt. Daniel Guerrero, 25th Fighter Wing Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, represented the 25th FW, Osan Air Base and the United States Air Force at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, also known as Seoul ADEX 21, which took place Oct. 19-23, 2021.
Seoul ADEX 21 is the largest, most comprehensive exhibition of its kind in Northeast Asia, attracting aviation, aerospace professionals, key defense personnel, aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Guerrero proudly stood alongside an A-10 static display to interact with and teach anyone who was interested in learning more about the aircraft.
“It feels really awesome to be able to represent Osan,” said Guerrero. “I love being out here and talking to people about the A-10. It’s so much better being able to meet with people face-to-face and have those interactions that really allow us to put an image to the ‘noisy jets’ they hear in the sky. I volunteered to do this, because I knew it would be right up my alley.”
The A-10 was designed to provide close air support (CAS) to friendly ground troops by providing defense against enemy armored vehicles and tanks. The aircraft was activated in 1976 and is the only production-built model to serve in the USAF, solely designed for CAS. Its secondary mission is to provide forward air controller-airborne support by directing other aircraft in the air to engage with specific ground targets.
“Being an A-10 pilot is very important to me,” said Guerrero. “For me, it’s really all about making my family proud. I come from a family of immigrants, so I believe I get to represent not only the U.S., but also Mexico while being here.”
The United States participates in these events to demonstrate the U.S. focus on regional security and stability for the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region. Events like Seoul ADEX 21 also provide a great opportunity to further strengthen the U.S. and Republic of Korea partnership.
“Our involvement in the Seoul ADEX is really important, because it shows other countries what we can bring to the table,” said Guerrero. “It’s a great way for us to show them what kind of military equipment and technology we have, as well as how we can try and share that with our allies.”
Approximately 30,000 attendees had the chance to meet with aircrew and learn about the different U.S. military airframes displayed along the flight line of Seoul Air Base. Additionally, a total of 22 countries were represented during the 5-day ADEX.
“I’m extremely proud of my team and how we’ve represented Osan,” said Guerrero. “I’m grateful we had the opportunity to come out to Seoul to experience the ADEX and showcase some of our forces’ capabilities.”