Mustangs maximize readiness during Beverly Bulldog 15-01

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Owsianka
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The men and women of Team Osan tested their combined strength and readiness during Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Bulldog 15-01 Dec. 3 to Dec. 10, 2014, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

BB 15-01 was a large scale, 8-day, joint and combined exercise focused on realistic pre-Air Tasking Order execution and robust readiness. The magnitude of BB 15-01 set it apart from all previous exercises and included coordination between U.S. forces throughout the whole peninsula of Korea and across the Pacific area of responsibility.

"Beverly Bulldog 15-01 was truly historic and showcased a multitude of firsts," said Col. Brook Leonard, 51st Fighter Wing commander.  "This was the first time we have exercised for this length of time, and in such a realistic way.  We proved that Team Osan has the capability to defend the base, execute operations and receive forces in order to reinforce stability in the Republic of Korea."

BB 15-01 was unique in a number of ways, starting with the types of follow-on forces.  Service members from 5th Air Force, Misawa Air Base, Japan, Yokota Air Base, Japan, ROK air force, 35th Air Defense Artillery, and U.S. Naval assets participated in the exercise, making this iteration one of the largest exercises of its type at Osan.

"The sheer number of forces we received was an outstanding achievement," said Leonard. "It was an amazing exercise to be a part of and a testament to our joint and combined strength.  Over 120 U.S. aircraft, both Air Force and Navy, were at Osan in an effort to test our operational capabilities and readiness.  Integrating our forces and training alongside the ROK air force, we were able to gain a significant understanding of how the U.S. and ROK can operate and integrate together to achieve specific goals."  

To help receive forces, the 731st Air Mobility Squadron executed cargo recovery operations using multiple C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft while the engines were operating.  Osan proved the capability to receive actual forces from other PACAF bases, including the cargo necessary to support those forces.  Additionally, the 731st AMS demonstrated reception operations in a very challenging chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear simulated environment.

The integration of sister services and ROKAF units and operations was another first. The 35th ADA deployed a Patriot battery to Yenchon AB and provided a unique ability to integrate air defense into live-flying scenarios.  Deployed U.S. Navy forces provided post-mission reports to the 607th Air and Operations Center to build a joint operational picture on evolving threats to air operations.  BB 15-01 also integrated ROKAF aircraft into the training sorties flown during the 24-hour a day flying operations.

The 51st Medical Group received follow-on forces from Yokota in the form of a Mobile Field Surgical Team.  The MSFT integrated into the Osan team immediately and enabled 24-hour surgical capability, even performing live, real-world surgeries during the exercise.

BB 15-01 focused on four priorities.

The first priority was to effectively coordinate between the 607th AOC, 8th Fighter Wing from Kunsan AB and the 35th FW from Misawa AB, Japan. The second priority was to generate 100 percent of tasked pre-ATO combat capability within allotted time constraints, and to execute operations in accordance with pre-ATO guidelines. The third priority was to effectively recover and employ follow-on forces. The last priority was to maximize joint and combined command and control of base operations.

"Beverly Bulldog 15-01 was truly a joint and combined effort," said Leonard.  "Although the actual forces we receive during a real contingency may be different, this exercise enabled us to test our capabilities and see where we can improve.  We were able to receive follow-on forces from other Pacific units, execute operations, and defend the base in a simulated contingency environment.  We were also able to further increase our interoperability with the ROK air forces, as well as other U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy units.  Overall, I think Beverly Bulldog was a touchdown and I am truly proud of our Osan team.  The Airpower Team in and supporting the Republic of Korea is definitely ready to fight tonight or sooner if necessary!"