Osan, ROK showcase capabilities at Air Power Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  More than 40,000 visitors looked toward the sky and witnessed aerial acts from across the globe at the 2011 Air Power Day at Osan Air Base Oct. 29 and 30.

Headlining Air Power Day was the Republic of Korea Air Force's official aerial demonstration team the Black Eagles. Their overwhelming force and precise aerobatic formations brought roaring cheers from the crowd as well as some tears of joy from a few spectators at the event.

The audience also witnessed performances by Air Combat Command's A-10 Thunderbolt II demonstration team, ROKAF's T-50 Golden Eagles and a fly-over by the Air Force's U-2 reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft.

"I've been to this event four times," said Taegyu Kim, APD spectator. "I love airplanes, so I thank the Air Force for having this event; it's a great way for Koreans to build relationships with American military."

Spectators not only got a chance to get an up close look at Osan's war fighting capabilities such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10, but many Air Force airframes including the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules and KC-135 Stratotanker.

The demonstration of air power also included static displays of ROKAF's mobility capabilities like the F-5E Tiger II and F-4 Phantom II.

Taking a break from the skies on-lookers were treated to ground demonstrations by the 51st Security Forces dog handlers, Combat Search and Rescue, as well as Osan's honor guard.

"From the months of planning to setting up the air show to the final FOD walk on Monday morning, members of Team Osan came together to give us a memorable weekend," said Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander. "This weekend has given Team Osan a chance to build partnerships not only with our Republic of Korea Air Force counterparts, but the Korean community as a whole."

With the touchdown of the A-10 Oct. 30, which was the final aerial demonstration for the day the sound of the ROKAF band filled the air as the final performance for the two-day event.

"This was a great event,' said Staff Sgt. Robert Drew, 51st SFS APD augmentee. "This weekend we truly got to show Korea air power at its best."