OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 51st Fighter Wing is scheduled to host aircraft and personnel from the 237th Fighter Squadron from Wonju Air Base, ROK, as well as participate in Buddy Wing 16-2, Feb. 22 to 25, 2016.

"We are extremely excited to host Buddy Wing 16-2 and look forward to working closely with our Republic of Korea counterparts," said Col. Andrew Hansen, 51 FW commander. "This exercise is designed to sharpen interoperability between our allied air forces so that if need be, we are able to respond quickly and effectively to any situation which may arise.”

Buddy Wing 16-2 is the second in a series of joint training, combat exercises to be conducted this year across the peninsula.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter aircraft from the 25th Fighter Squadron will integrate with ROK air force KA-1 Woongbi fighter aircraft from the 237th FS, in order to plan and fly together during forward air control missions. Members participating in Buddy Wing 16-2 train to build relationships and broaden their knowledge of working in a joint environment with combined operations aimed at deterring enemy aggression.

After 62 years, the ROK-U.S. Alliance continues to be one of the longest standing and successful alliances in modern history. Coordination and exercises such as the Buddy Wing series, along with other combined operations and training events, add to the continued success of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

"The Buddy Wing program truly highlights the longstanding, unified partnership between the Republic of Korea and the United States, and this training ensures we are prepared to fight as a lethal, combined force and defeat any hostile attack against the alliance,” said Hansen.