An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .mil
A
.mil
website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
lock
)
or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Skip to main content (Press Enter).
HOME
LEADERSHIP
Commander
Deputy Commander
Chief of Staff
Senior Enlisted Leader
Leadership
ABOUT USINDOPACOM
History
USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility
USPACOM Previous Commanders
Organization Chart
Women, Peace and Security
Indo-Pacific Health Security Alliance - IPhsa
About USINDOPACOM
MEDIA
NEWS
Spotlight
Photos
Speeches / Testimony
Freedom of Information Act
FOIA - Reading Room
Submit FOIA Request
Request Status
FOIA FAQS
Press Releases and Readouts
2024 Banner Photos
Media
RESOURCES
Travel Requirements
Useful Theater Information
FAQ
Useful Links
Newcomers
Resources
CONTACT
Directory
Media Inquiries
Industry Engagements
Contact
JTF - RED HILL
JTF-MICRONESIA
Search
Home
Media
NEWS
News Article View
Home
Media
NEWS
News Article View
HOME
LEADERSHIP
Commander
Deputy Commander
Chief of Staff
Senior Enlisted Leader
ABOUT USINDOPACOM
History
USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility
USPACOM Previous Commanders
Organization Chart
Women, Peace and Security
Indo-Pacific Health Security Alliance - IPhsa
MEDIA
NEWS
Spotlight
Photos
Speeches / Testimony
Freedom of Information Act
FOIA - Reading Room
Submit FOIA Request
Request Status
FOIA FAQS
Press Releases and Readouts
2024 Banner Photos
RESOURCES
Travel Requirements
Useful Theater Information
FAQ
Useful Links
Newcomers
CONTACT
Directory
Media Inquiries
Industry Engagements
JTF - RED HILL
JTF-MICRONESIA
Kunsan Air Base Receives New Aircraft Flow-through Shelters
11 April 2017
From Senior Airman Michael Hunsaker
Download
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 35th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan Air Base is receiving new aircraft flow-through shelters. The project started in May 2016 with a cost of $30 million.
“Each shelter is a protected area to concurrently load munitions, hot pit refuel and service aircraft to meet the minimum times required to support a viable close-air support and defensive counter-air alert program,” said Staff Sgt. Xavier Gemba, 8th Civil Engineering Squadron construction inspector.
The new shelters will allow aircraft to have a faster turnaround and less time in the hardened aircraft shelter for maintenance.
“Without the flows, aircraft would need to taxi back to the HAS, shut down, and get pushed back into the HAS before any maintenance, fueling or weapon loading could take place,” said Maj. Curtis Switzer, 35th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations. “The process of shutting jets down and pushing them into the HAS can take a lot of time. With the flows, a jet can taxi in, get fuel and then continue to fly.”
A project of this size requires a lot of close management. Gemba coordinates with multiple organizations the project impacts.
“It takes a ton of coordination, especially with airfield management. Airfield management has to ensure that the construction does not severely affect day-to-day operations. They have overseen the contractors working in a restricted area whilst also ensuring that the taxiways remain FOD (foreign object debris) free.” said Switzer. “The construction has affected where jets can taxi, which has an impact on the ground controllers. It is a joint effort between multiple on-base agencies, which will definitely improve our ability to carry out sustained operations.”
Flexibility and communication are crucial when attempting large assignments that could affect other projects across the base.
“In April, we will have roughly 1,500 trucks bringing in concrete, about 100 trucks per day.” said Gemba. “We are having a new gate installed, just for those trucks, and it passes through another project, so we have to coordinate with them and security forces as well.”
The structures will not only improve the 35th’s mission, but other squadrons on Kunsan as well.
“Any squadron at Kunsan will be able to use them,” said Switzer. “Based on their location, they are suited for and would primarily be used by 35th’s jets during major operations. During standard training missions, both squadrons will share a set of flows to alleviate multiple ground crews.”
“This ability to quickly refuel jets, dramatically increases our ability to carry out multiple sorties whilst also providing protection,” said Switzer.
The project is scheduled to be complete May 2019.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
"Just sitting side by side, eating together, sharing good meals together, that m...
Working with our network of allies and partners ensures a #FreeandOpenIndoPacifi...
Adm. Phil Davidson at the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia. #...
Join us LIVE at the Halifax International Security Forum this Saturday! Adm. Dav...
"We must work together, across academia, industry, the government, and the milit...
"USINDOPACOM’s cyber strategy emphasizes backing the region’s joint and combined...
"To all our veterans who've worn the cloth of our nation, thank you for answerin...
"It's important that the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Australia & other friends & a...
United States Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. David L. Goldfein spent his early ...
It’s Happening. Tiger TRIUMPH, the first ever tri-service exercise between the ...
Happy Veteran's Day to our past, present and future #Veterans. #FreeandOpenIndoP...
Stronger together for a #FreeandOpenIndoPacific
“Our veterans past, and the servicemen and women of today, have helped to preser...
Commander @INDOPACOM Adm. Phil Davidson, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chi...
Adm. Phil Davidson, Commander U.S.Indo-Pacific Command, meets with Tarō Kōno, Ja...
Gen. David L. Goldfein has a short message to our adversaries: We're here, and...
ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM
IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
New Korea Rotational Force announced
Feb. 15, 2025 - The U.S. Army last month announced that the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, will replace 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the...
USS Howard Conducts Port Visit in Otaru, Japan
Feb. 14, 2025 - OTARU, Japan (Feb. 11, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) concluded a port visit in Otaru, Japan, Feb 11...
3rd MLG to Support Multiple US/ROK Military Exercises
Feb. 14, 2025 - Hundreds of U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines are set to launch a nearly two-month series of bilateral training exercises across the South Korean Peninsula from February to April 2025...
USINDOPACOM Commander addresses Honolulu Defense Forum
Feb. 14, 2025 - Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, delivered the keynote address at the Honolulu Defense Forum in Waikiki, Hawaii, Feb. 13, 2025...
Breaking the Ice, Breaking up Ground: III MSB Marines conduct joint training event with Army 11th Engineer Battalion Soldiers
Feb. 14, 2025 - Early on the morning of February 6, 2025, the Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III MEF Information Group joined Soldiers from 63rd Clearance Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division...
Guidance-Card-Icon
Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon