Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon stops on an alternate landing strip using a Mobile Aircraft Arresting System during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. The taxiway on the flightline becomes an active air strip when the ALS is activated. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II lands on an alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. The reallocation of flightline space allows pilots to continue flying operations despite damage to the main runway. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II takes off using an alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. The reallocation of flightline space allows pilots to continue flying operations despite damage to the main runway. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

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Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon stops on an alternate landing strip using a Mobile Aircraft Arresting System during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. In contingency environments, the ALS is activated when the main runway sustains heavy damage, which allows pilots to maintain readiness and continue flying operations. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon stops on an alternate landing strip using a Mobile Aircraft Arresting System during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. In contingency environments, the ALS is activated when the main runway sustains heavy damage, which allows pilots to maintain readiness and continue flying operations. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. Training is conducted throughout the year to generate combat airpower at a moment’s notice, affirming the commitment to the ROK remains ironclad and ensures regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II takes off using an alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. In contingency environments, the ALS is activated when the main runway sustains heavy damage, which allows pilots to maintain readiness and continue flying operations. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. Training is conducted throughout the year to generate combat airpower at a moment’s notice, affirming the commitment to the ROK remains ironclad and ensures regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons taxi down an alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. In contingency environments, the ALS is activated when the main runway sustains heavy damage, which allows pilots to maintain readiness and continue flying operations. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

231030-F-QO603-1240 A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis down an alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. The reallocation of flightline space allows pilots to continue flying operations despite damage to the main runway. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. Training is conducted throughout the year to generate combat airpower at a moment’s notice, affirming the commitment to the ROK remains ironclad and ensures regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons taxi down an alternate landing strip during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. The taxiway on the flightline becomes an active air strip when the ALS is activated. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Vigilant Defense 24: Osan demonstrates ALS capabilities

Published Nov. 2, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10C Thunderbolt II's employ an alternate landing strip during the peninsula-wide training event Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. When the ALS is activated the taxiway on the flightline becomes an active air strip which provides contingency flexibility and ensures the safety of aircraft and personnel. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)