Mustang One flies like a Fiend

From right to left, U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Ley, 51st Fighter Wing commander, Capt. Michael Acton, 36th Fighter Squadron pilot, and Maj. James Carson, 51st Operations Group standards and evaluation manager, review flight plans at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. As commander, Ley is responsible for ensuring the wing is ready to defend Osan, execute combat operations, and sustain follow-on forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Ley, left, 51st Fighter Wing commander, greets Airman Anthony Zhou, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, before his first flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. Ley flew with the 36th Fighter Squadron–a combat ready squadron with the capability to conduct air interdiction, close air support and counter-air missions in both day and night conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Ley, left, 51st Fighter Wing commander, and Airman Anthony Zhou, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, converse before his first flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. As commander, Ley is entrusted with the operational readiness, training, morale, welfare, installation support, and quality of life of more than 5,500 active-duty personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Ley, 51st Fighter Wing commander, enters an F-16 Fighting Falcon cockpit at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. Ley has over 2,500 combined flying hours including 433 combat hours in the F-16, flying missions in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Noble Eagle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

Senior Airman Cody Richards, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, holds an F-16 Fighting Falcon before taxiing for take off at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. The 36th FGS plays a crucial role in the delivery of combat air power on the Korean peninsula, demonstrating Osan’s ability to deter and prevail against any threat if necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

Airman Anthony Zhou, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, sends off an F-16 Fighting Falcon for flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. The 36th FGS plays a crucial role in the delivery of combat air power on the Korean peninsula, demonstrating Osan’s ability to deter and prevail against any threat if necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron line up for final checks before take off at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. Starting in Summer 2024, the 36th FS became a “Super Squadron” of 31 F-16s, participating in a test to maximize combat effectiveness on the Korean Peninsula. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Ley, 51st Fighter Wing commander, gives a “Harrumph!” while taxiing for take off at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. Ley flew with the 36th Fighter Squadron–a combat ready squadron with the capability to conduct air interdiction, close air support and counter-air missions in both day and night conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron takes off at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. Since Summer 2024, the 36th FS has been taking part in a “Super Squadron” initiative, increasing the total number of assigned F-16s in order to increase combat effectiveness in the Indo-Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron takes off at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. The Fighting Falcon is renowned for its fly-by-wire system, and exceptionally flexible design enabling it to excel worldwide in a range of both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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Mustang One flies like a Fiend

Published July 29, 2025
By Senior Airman Tylir Meyer
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Ley, 51st Fighter Wing commander, flew an F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2025. Ley has over 2,500 combined flying hours including 433 combat hours in the F-16, flying missions in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Noble Eagle.