An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Jan. 26, 2017

U.S., Korea Integrate Forces During Pacific Thunder

By Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo 51st Fighter Wing

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Exercise Pacific Thunder 17-1 began Jan. 23, marking two weeks of combat search and rescue training across the Korean Peninsula.

Pilots from the 25th Fighter Squadron use this exercise to practice one of their primary missions: supporting and defending helicopter crews that rescue pilots and other personnel who are down behind enemy lines.

“CSAR is one of, if not the most important missions that we do in the 25th FS,” said Lt. Col. Razvan Radoescu, 25th FS commander. “Our promise to Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors that we will leave no stone unturned searching and rescuing isolated personnel is one of the main reasons that makes all our forces effective in battle, and [PAC-T] gives us the opportunity to realistically train to what we expect CSAR will look like in the Korean theater of operations.”

Teams assigned to the 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadrons from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the ROK air force operate the recovery aspect of the missions flown in the exercise while the 25th FS provides the air support with their A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.

“The close partnership between the 25th FS, the 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons , our ROKAF brothers and sisters in arms and all other supporting assets makes this training opportunity very unique and, in my opinion, some of the best training in the world,” said Radoescu.

PAC-T provides 25th FS pilots the opportunity to practice a different mission set than what is typically flown out of Osan.

“Everybody in the 51st Fighter Wing needs to be ready to fight tonight; however, another aspect of our readiness as a whole is the need to support the brave Airmen who risk it all during combative engagements,” said Col. Cary Culbertson, 51st FW vice commander. “If a pilot or friendly force is shot down or evading enemies through rough terrain, we owe them everything within our capabilities to support extracting them swiftly and returning them home safely.”
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                      

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Australia, Japan, Philippines, and United States Conduct Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity
USINDOPACOM STATEMENT GRAPHIC
Feb. 5, 2025 - The combined armed and defense forces of Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open...

U.S. Army Japan Begins North Wind 25
Feb. 4, 2025 - U.S. Army Japan begins North Wind 25, a bilateral cold-weather field training exercise designed to enhance combat readiness and promote interoperability with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force running through February 9,...

31st MEU Embarks with the America Amphibious Ready Group
U.S. Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to transport High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ammunition from an U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) during onload operations at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025.
Feb. 4, 2025 - U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), Jan. 28, campaigning and competing in the Indo-Pacific region...

US and Philippines Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Cabanatuan Raid
A Philippine Army Soldier from the First Scout Ranger Regiment and a U.S. Army Ranger assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, salutes the colors during the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Raid and Liberation of Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp at the City of Cabanatuan, Philippines, Feb. 1, 2025. The commemoration honors the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the U.S. Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerrillas and provided veterans, family members, and the community an opportunity to pay tribute to those who fought and contributed to the liberation of the Pacific 80 years ago. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Angelo Mejia)
Feb. 4, 2025 - On Feb. 1, 2025, American and Filipino dignitaries, military leaders, and local officials gathered at the Cabanatuan American Memorial to honor the 80th anniversary of the Cabanatuan Raid. This daring World War II rescue...

Red Flag 25-1 Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 135, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, arrives to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 22, 2025, in preparation for Red Flag-Nellis 25-1. Red Flag was designed to expose each blue force pilot to their first 10 combat missions, allowing them to be more confident, effective, and combat-ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)
Feb. 4, 2025 - Red Flag 25-1 takes flight at Nellis Air Force Base uniting U.S. forces with allies from the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force in a combined exercise to enhance combat readiness and strengthen partnerships...