U.S., ROK strengthen alliance with flight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
GWANGJU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Seventh Air Force commander flew in a Republic of Korea F-15K Slam Eagle at Gwangju Air Base, May 15, 2012.

Lieutenant General Jan-Marc Jouas' flight comes as part of Max Thunder, a two-week combined exercise that allows the U.S. and ROK Air Forces to work together through a variety of exercise scenarios that simulate combined operations against a hostile force.

"Max Thunder is a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. and Republic of Korea to train together," Jouas said.

Before his flight, ROK and U.S. crews provided a life-support gear fitting, flight briefing, and preflight checks. During a roughly two hour flight, Jouas and his pilot conducted multiple air-to-air combat engagements.

The F-15K, is the newest aircraft in the Republic of Korea's mobility arsenal, and provided a unique cultural opportunity.

"It's a superb aircraft," Jouas said. "It was a great way to take part in Max Thunder."

The bilateral training involved approximately 60 U.S. Air Force and ROKAF aircraft from Osan, Kunsan, Daegu, Cheongju and Seosan air bases.

The purpose of Max Thunder is to examine and re-confirm the capabilities of the U.S. and ROK alliance, said ROKAF Lt. Gen. Park Shin Kyu, Air Force Operations Command commander.

"This exercise shows that we are the strongest combined air force in the world," Jouas said. "We truly are ready to fight tonight."

This was the first time Jouas had flown in a ROKAF F-15K.