The first airbase where he photographed was Soesterberg, Netherlands where the 32 TFS was stationed with the F-15. The Trojan Horse ruse of Operation BOLO succeeded in downing seven MiG -21s in a fierce aerial battle lasting twelve minutes. The 80th was stationed at various bases during the battle for Korea, where it remained in continuous combat during the entire conflict. Later the same week, Wolf Pack F-4s again engaged the enemy, knocking down another two MiGs. It was in 1972 when the 35th moved to Kunsan Air Base to fly the F-4 Phantom. Upgraded F-16 rejoins 8th FW > 15th Wing > Article Display She became the first to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1981, together with its sister squadron; the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron. ( ! On September 30, 1966, Col. Robin Olds took official charge of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon RTAFB, near Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. One photograph in particular showed his youngest daughter, Susan, playfully mimicking her father's mustache with a strand of long hair above her upper lip. During the early morning BOLO briefing on January 2nd, 1967, Robin Olds, inspired by his WWII group commander, Col. Hub Zemke and his notorious 56th FG Wolf Pack, urged his 8th Wing pilots with a rallying cry, "Go get 'em Wolf Pack!". Approximately 250 Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fighter Squadron from Colorado Air National Guard Base were stationed here. Redesignated the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and flying USAF's newest fighter aircraft, the F-4C Phantom, the wing joined other USAF, Navy and Marine bases in the SEA theater flying combat missions to North Vietnam. Wolf Pack welcomes Wolf 61 > Pacific Air Forces > Sofia Shank, 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron lab and ambulance services flight commander, handles blood samples at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. In November, 1966, the 8th TFW hosted a tactics conference designed to bring combat pilots throughout SEA together to exchange information and foster teamwork. During the early morning BOLO briefing on January 2nd, 1967, Robin Olds, inspired by his WWII group commander, Col. Hub Zemke and his notorious 56th FG Wolf Pack, urged his 8th Wing pilots with a rallying cry, "Go get 'em Wolf Pack!". It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. Seventh Air Force falls under In the spring of 1967, North Vietnam put a bounty of $25,000 on Col. Olds' head, payable to any pilot who could shoot down and hopefully cause the high-visibility capture of the North's "most-wanted" enemy. The 80th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing. His love for military aviation began in 1980. 70 . The 35th flew the P-12, PB-2, A-17 and P-36 out of Langley Field, Virginia. It was during this period that a new 5,000ft runway was built. . Lt. Col. Elisa Bones Hammer, 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, checks in on a group of Airmen from the bio-environmental engineering (BEE) flight at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. Olds had flown 152 missions, 105 of them over North Vietnam. We hone our craft and ensure our readiness to deter attack. The Squadron flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon out of Kunsan Air Base and is assigned to the Wolf Pack (8th Fighter Wing). From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. 38 70 . 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - ROBIN OLDS If you continue to browse we will assume your permission to use cookies. ) . When the 80, In the period leading up to the Vietnam Conflict, the 80th was one of the first units to send pilots and planes to Thailand where they would fly missions against North Vietnam. It was originally an aircraft maintenance squadron, as the unit served in France from 1917 to 1919. G. Shoemaker once mentioned: , Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. The mental health clinic at Kunsan has implemented a frontline care strategy to be more accessible to base personnel by meeting them where they work. The squadron accounted for 225 enemy aircraft destroyed during the course of the war, receiving 10 battle honors and three Distinguished Unit Citations. To quote the 176th EFS Commander: The TSP is part of the Air Forces long-term initiatives to provide extra security in places where we need it.. Even though operations differ between National Guard, Reserve and active duty units, the advantage for the 176th turned out to be experienced instructor pilots. For training purpose with the 80th FW, multiple of their F-16s were present at Kunsan Air Base during my visit here. The need for strong air arm was recognized by American defense officials and the squadron was reconstituted in 1932, re-designated the 35th Pursuit Squadron. WebU.S. https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1198sweep/), NMUSAF PR Video: Robin speaking of his love for his ground crews. OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- After receiving the first phase of one of the largest modernization efforts in U.S. Air Force F-16 program history, an upgraded Block 40 F-16s were received in 2000, these aircraft carried Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pods, enabling the Wolf Pack to take the fight into the night. It was mainly tasked with escorting light to medium bombers and ground support attacks. 8th OSS forecasting the fight. WebThe nickname of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing -- the Wolfpack -- fit Robin Olds aggressive style. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Capt. Together they formed a legendary team known as "Blackman and Robin". But if called upon to defend our neighbors and allies, may God have mercy on the Wolf Packs prey.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. Contents of this website may not be used without prior written permission. The Kunsan physical therapy office treats musculoskeletal conditions to include sports injuries, chronic issues and postoperative rehabilitation. When U.S. forces left Korea in 1949, the base was turned over to the Republic of Korea Air Force. Robin Olds, leading the first of three flights of F-4s, scored the first MiG of his tour. Its not like any other base that Ive visited, less relaxed maybe. Built in 1938 by the Japanese as a fighter-interceptor base, Kunsan AB became the home of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group at the end of WWII. (For detailed description of Operation Bolo, see: MiG Sweep by Walter Boyne, November 1, 1998 When the president asked how he proposed he should do that, Robin replied, "It's simple! The legend of The Wolf Pack had begun. Following the wars end, they moved to Fukuoka Air Base in Japan to fly the P-51 Mustang. Rotational Deployment in Korea of the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing was completed on November 8, 2017. TWS is the largest online It is part of the Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. The deployment became a great teaching opportunity, seeing that the guard had a lot of knowledge due to most of the crew having up to 20 years of experience. The 8th Fighter Wing renders a salute during the 8th FW change of command at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 1, 2021. Aforementioned 3rd Bombardment Wing returned to Japan at the end of the Korean Conflict. Apart from the 2,750 Air Force members stationed at Kunsan Air Base, it also employs 158 Army soldiers, 28 U.S. civilians and more than 420 local national appropriated and non-appropriated employees. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. (Maj.) Joshua Dalzell (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron (HCOS) pharmacist, assists Staff Sgt. Wolf Pack bids farewell to Col. John Caldwell | Stripes The mental health clinic is made up of both officers and enlisted personnel, who can teach and treat patients under their commissioned counterparts licenses. They were joined by 79 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force, flying top cover for the Wing in F-86s. 8 (Robin Olds) . Its mission is to deliver lethal airpower when and where directed, including interdiction, close air support, counter air, air superiority and suppression of enemy air defenses. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017. The 8th Medical Group is tasked with managing the medical clinic, offering flight & general medicine, dentistry and military public health services. As the squadron was re-designated the 35th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) and moved to Mitchell Field, N.Y., they started flying the P-40 Warhawk. The 80th continues to support the United States in Korea with the same pride and excellence instilled in the squadron from the Headhunters of the past. KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea Although aircraft assigned to the 80th and 35th Fighter have left Kunsan for the duration December also began the planning for Operation BOLO, a tactic to disguise flights of F-4s as F-105s, which were flying bombing missions so routine (as ordered by Washington) that North Vietnamese MiGs and SAM missles easily shot them out of the sky. Air Force maintainers from the 8th Fighter Wing maneuver an F-16 Fighting Falcon into a hardened aircraft shelter during the Fiscal Year 2023 More 8FWPA Images WebThe 8th Fighter Wing "Wolf Pack", comprised of the 35th Fighter Squadron "Pantons" and the 80th Fighter Squadron "Juvats", performs both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea -- Members of the Wolf Pack bid farewell to Col. John Wolf 2 Caldwell, 8th Fighter Wing vice commander after completing his The five-day drill, named Vigilant Ace, is meant to improve the allies wartime capabilities and preparedness, South Koreas defense ministry said. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and get notified when new articles are published. The squadron received P-38 Lightning aircraft in January of 1943, which it operated throughout the rest of the war. The 8th Fighter Wing wears its heritage proudly: the famed Wolf Pack of Robin Olds. The TSP demonstrated the U.S. commitment to stability and security in the region but also ensures that the Wolf Pack remains ready to Fight Tonight. The 80th Fighter Squadron was activated during WWII, in 1942, as the 80th Pursuit Squadron at Mitchell Field, NY. This was done with the aforementioned F-80 Shooting Star. This was of great help to the eager and willing to learn Airmen of the 8th FW. 8th Fighter Wing > Kunsan Air Base > Display Special thanks to Kunsan AFB Public Affairs for making this visit possible. The 35th changed base multiple times throughout Korea, including Pyongyang, flying the F-80 Shooting Star (and later the F-86 Sabre). New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, Special Purpose Military Aircraft Gallery, Kunsan Air Base: The Den of the Wolf Pack, About the presence of U.S. forces at Kunsan, the 8th FW Commander Col. David. , . The 8th Fighter Wing serves as the bases host unit and falls under the Seventh Air Force at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Four F-16s take to the South Korean skies with afterburners. It was in 1981 that the 80th became the first overseas squadron to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Theres not much going on, which is fairly unusual for an Air Force Base at 8 a.m. Only a few vehicles arrive and depart, some of them being thoroughly checked. Thats the 8th Fighter Wings motto, nicknamed the Wolf Pack. The first operational squadrons in place at Ubon in the early months of 1966 were the 433rd and the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. The legend of the maverick Robin Olds had been fully born. 8 (Wolf) . Such language is typical in North Korean propaganda because the country claims US-South Korean drills are preparation for invasion. Published April 6, 2023 By Senior Airman Shannon Braaten, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs KUNSAN AIR BASE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA The Wolf Pack welcomed Pacific Air Forces Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Mr. Anthony Cruz Unoz at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 5-6, 2023. Katchi Kapshida! An alliance 70 years strong Public health officers manage programs that focus on the following: food safety and public facility sanitation, disease surveillance and prevention, force health management and medical readiness, vector surveillance and entomology, and occupational and environmental health. The 80th flew its final combat mission of WWII in August of 1945, during which the squadron commander was shot down. WebBy the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. The base is established on the west coast of All military members live on base in dormitories. Regardless of the location of the 8th FW F-16 assets, Airmen at the 8th OSS weather flight continue to support the Wolf Packs flying mission. The base also houses the U.S. Armys 2nd Batallion, 1st Air Defense Artillery. Weve developed our ability to train and fight together through RED FLAGs and our Peninsula-wide exercises MAX THUNDER and VIGILANT ACE. After receiving the first phase of one of the largest modernization efforts in U.S. Air Force F-16 program history, an upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcon rejoined the 8th Robin arrived on September 23, 1966 to find squadrons demoralized by mounting losses of pilots and aircraft due to enemy MiG forces, surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) units and multiple early warning radar systems. Kunsan AB | Base Overview & Info Chris Drager (left), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron physical therapist, guides a patient lifting weights at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. 1966 . Wolf Pack Pictured here are revetments and F-4s of the 8th TFW at Ubon, 8th Vincent Antwi, 8th HCOS pharmacy technician, in taking inventory at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. This week across the Air Force, Jan. 23-27, is Biomedical Sciences Corps (BSC) Appreciation Week, a week to highlight the men and women who comprise the BSC and all that they bring to the fight. The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. It was here that the squadron converted from the P-51 to the F-80. It is one of two F-16 F-35B, F-22 . The 35th Fighter Squadrons mission is to provide combat-ready F-16 C/D fighter aircraft to conduct air operations throughout the Pacific. Copyright 2012-2023 Aviation Photography Digest. The Squadrons first active combat mission was flown from Port Moresby, New Guinea, on July of the same year. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), An official website of the United States government, SLIDESHOW | 0 images | BSC: Looking after the Wolf Pack, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. This included the P-40 and P-38 Lightning, accounting for 124 kills during missions. . This enables day or night, all weather capabilities. 908th Airlift Wing > Home 8th Fighter Wing [8th FW] - globalsecurity.org As mentioned, its first combat base was in New Guinea, after which it moved through Borneo and the Celebes Islands. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. (For detailed description of Operation Bolo, see: MiG Sweep by Walter Boyne, November 1, 1998, Aces & Aerial Victories, US Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965-. This iconic mustache became the visible symbol of the fighting spirit of the Wolf Pack and its renegade leader. 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - Wolf Pack - Air Force Unit Directory The base is established on the west coast of the country, close to Gunsan City. Memorabilia at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum. All rights reserved Aviation Photography Digest, 2023. All 8th TFW squadrons flew F-4Cs until F-4Ds replaced the older aircraft in 1967. This was done from Itazuke Air Base, Japan. Post war, the squadron moved to Itazuke AB, Japan. G. Shoemaker once mentioned: The ironclad alliance between the US and Republic of Korea is evident in everything we do. Wolf Pack A warm welcome was felt in a time of heightened tension. This battalion is equipped with Patriot Advanced Capability, or PAC-3, missiles. Sgt. A variety of Air Base Groups and Squadrons operated and maintained the base in the decades after the Korean Conflict. By Senior Airman Shannon Braaten, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea -- Members of the Wolf Pack bid farewell to Col. John Wolf 2 Caldwell, 8th Fighter Wing vice commander after completing his fini-flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 25, 2023. All rights reserved. Less than a year later, on 1 July 1958, the Air Force redesignated the wing as the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. During its tenure at Itazuke, the wing flew several different aircraft, including the North American F-86 Sabre, North American F-100 Super Sabre, Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, and Republic F-105 Thunderchief . Martina Shannon-Young, 8th OMRS mental health technician, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 25, 2023. The 35th Fighter Squadron, one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, the Wolf Pack. Entering combat in 1942 in the Pacific during WWII, another wide variety of aircraft were flown. Conversion to the F-4 Phantom II started in 1967 and the squadron was moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB in 1971. Nicole Saulovich-Rogan (top), 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron physical therapist, provides care to a patient at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 24, 2023. When the 80th was attached to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, the unit became the first to fly jet aircraft in combat. Wolf Pack tail no. It was part of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Theater Security Package (TSP) which, on a routine basis, deploys fighter aircraft to the U.S. Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces. The 35. It was the start of the most impactful and far-reaching assignment of his 30-year USAF career. 24 of its pilots (Head Hunters) became aces, of which Captain Richard L. Bong became the American ace-of-aces. Kadena Air Base, Japan, saw the deployment of U.S. 8th Fighter Wing KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- This week across the Air Force, Jan. 23-27, is Biomedical Sciences Corps (BSC) Appreciation Week, a week to highlight the men and women who comprise the Forces in May of 2017. Washington quickly ordered him not to lead any more missions over North Vietnam and Robin, in turn, did not want to be sent home to endure the hoopla of getting his fifth MiG and becoming an "Ace". It scored the final American aerial victories of the war on the 14th of August, 1945. The 8th TFW pilots (mostly in their early to mid-twenties) looked with distrust at this "old" guy who hadn't flown combat since WWII. As part of a reorganization program, the 80th TFS was re-designated the 80th FS and re-assigned to the TFW. The U.S. Army recaptured the base, together with Kunsan City, two months later. Peter has written books about NAS Fallon, Red Flag and the Japanese Airforce. Deployment to Kunsan of over 180 airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was realized in early August of 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. 8th OSS forecasting the fight > Pacific Air Forces > Article Display Kunsan Air Base, located in the Republic of Korea, is home to the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the Wolf Pack. This ranged from striking the enemys front line to missions deep behind the lines to hit supply routes, bridges, build-ups and heavy troop concentrations. 8 . Different deployments of the United States Air Force frequently visit South-Korea. Air Force Reserve Takes 75th Anniversary Celebration to Talladega This is a special day not only for the 70,000-plus Citizen The legend of Its mission is to be prepared to execute immediate air combat operations against any aggressors threatening the United States or the Republic of Korea. To quote the 176th EFS Commander: In order to provide you with the best possible experience on our website, we use cookies. Defend the base, accept follow-on forces, take the flight north. This was the start of several Air Force units stationing at Kunsan AB. On April 8, 2022, the 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, said goodbye to its aging C-130H aircraft. Now the wing is working to transition to providing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter training, bringing together Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force Reserve Command for the first time. This was the first of over 200 victories ever since. It is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art ordnance. Assignment to the installation at Kunsan Air Base is typically a one-year unaccompanied tour, meaning members are assigned to the installation without their families. (Train Together), (Fly Together), (Go Together), An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. In mid-January 1967, increasingly frustrated by missions planned and ordered by the White House and Pentagon brass back in Washington, Robin decided to grow a mustache deliberately out of limits, knowing it would inflame his bosses and inspire his crews. They oversaw the bases reconstruction. However, at the start of the Korean Conflict in July 1950, North Korean forces occupied Kunsan Air Base. December of 2017 saw their biggest cooperated air exercise so far. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/change-of-command-49712/. The Wolf Pack is the most tight-knit, lethal unit in the US Air Force, and the Airmen of the Wolf Pack are extremely skilled at their craft.- Col. David G. Shoemaker. Hundreds of aircraft including two dozen stealth jets began training as the United States and South Korea launched a massive combined air force exercise. "The Bad Boy Commander of Operation Bolo" by Don Hollway, https://www.historynet.com/bad-boy-commander-operation-bolo/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_vietnammag&fbclid=IwAR17gJAgwiaEG6Phyc-gDIMcVFSYYapttd8Z3f7OF8JIrf64prMQ_SKMusA, Today in Aviation History: Operation Bolo, https://warbirdsnews.com/warbird-articles/today-in-aviation-history-operation-bolo.html, Aces & Aerial Victories, US Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965-1973:https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001329821/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-010.pdf, The Robin Olds Factor; Air Force magazine June 1, 2008.https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0608olds/. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Maj. Brock McNabb (left), 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (OMRS) mental health flight commander, laughs with Tech. With Kunsan maintaining a constant state of readiness, these professionals are extra sharp in delivering trusted care, improving the 8th Fighter Wings health and underwriting the Wolf Packs lethality. Upgraded F-16 rejoins 8th FW > Kadena Air Base > News The 8th Operation Group trains and equips the 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons (nicknames: Pantons and Juvats) in order to conduct air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. The squadron performs a wide variety of activities such as air-and-space control, counter air, strategic attack, interdiction and close-air support missions. So, he obeyed orders in his own fashion, by choosing to fly within a flight of F-4s, not leading as #1, and he passed off MiGs he spotted for his flight members to down. Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, Accessibility team build foundation (Operation BOLO) Wolf Pack( ) . Robin would go on to shoot down a total of four MiGs during 1967, and the Wolf Pack downed a total of 24 enemy aircraft under his command between January 2, 1967 and September 23rd that year. Peter van den Berg is from Coevorden, Netherlands. December also began the planning for Operation BOLO, a tactic to disguise flights of F-4s as F-105s, which were flying bombing missions so routine (as ordered by Washington) that North Vietnamese MiGs and SAM missles easily shot them out of the sky. From this time forward, the 8th Fighter Wing became known as the Wolf Pack. 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - National Museum of the United States The Wing remained in Japan through the Cold War, briefly relocated to George AFB, CA in 1964, and then moved to Ubon RTAFB, Thailand in December, 1965. The first assigned aircraft wing at Kunsan was the 3rd Bombardment Wing, on August 22, 1951. WebThe United States Air Force 8th Fighter Wing (8 FW) is the host unit at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea and is assigned to Seventh Air Force. Their major goal: Making the 8th FW & 7th AF commanders feel that they were a viable asset and of great support to the active duty squadrons. The 8th Fighter Wing consists of four groups, each carrying the responsibility for the wings operations, maintenance, support & medical functions. Its heritage dates back as far as June of 1917, when the unit was established as 35th Aero Squadron. 25 1951 We go together! It is rather strange to be here, maybe its just me but you can feel the tension. Its mission includes air interdiction, close air support, Air Force Chief of Staff, General John P. McConnell, ordered him to shave off his mustache before starting his new job as Commandant at the Air Force Academy in order to be a proper influence on cadets. We can produce forecasts all day, but if nobody uses them, that's kind of pointless, Verleur finished. Feel free to contact us using the form below: Late October, its around 70F and slightly foggy. Wolf Pack welcomes Wolf 61. The airmen, nicknamed the Badgers, have frequently been active in the region since 2004. MiG pilots avoided engaging the powerful, heavily armed and more maneuverable F-4s. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver), Dr. (Maj.) Tanviben Patel, 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron public health flight commander, inspects food at the dining facility on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 24, 2023. North Koreas state media said that the drill pushes the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war. WebThe Official Website of the 908th Airlift Wing. In the period leading up to the Vietnam Conflict, the 80th was one of the first units to send pilots and planes to Thailand where they would fly missions against North Vietnam. Hammer is a BEE officer by trade and now leads one of the two squadrons containing biomedical service corps personnel at the 8th Fighter Wing. It was in September 1974 that the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing was assigned to Kunsan Air Base. The pilots surged out of the briefing toward their waiting F-4s and ground crews with new fervor and a brand new identity. By the end of the war, the 8th TFW led the USAF wings in SEA with a total of 38.5 MiGs destroyed. It was later re-designated the 8th Fighter Wing in 1992. This goes to show the tension and threat, something that I certainly felt during my time at Kunsan.