Beale combat operations squadrons prepare for Korea exercise

by Capt. Joseph Simms
940th Wing Public Affairs

8/19/2013 - Osan Air Base, Korea  -- Reservists assigned to the 940th Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., continue to arrive at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, in preparation for the annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise, Aug. 19-30.

The 713th Combat Operations Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif., and the 701st Combat Operations Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., will join approximately 30,000 U.S. service members for the joint/combined command post exercise.

"Ulchi Freedom Guardian is a critical alliance exercise to sustain the readiness of the Republic of Korea, U.S. forces and the sending state forces," said Gen. James D. Thurman, commander, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea. "It is based on realistic scenarios and enables us to train on our essential tasks with a whole-of-government approach."

Training exercises such as UFG are carried out in accordance with the Oct. 1, 1953, armistice and the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty. These routine exercises also highlight the commitment and enduring friendship between the two nations and help ensure stability and security on the Korean Peninsula.

Members of the two combat operations squadrons will work alongside seven countries from the United Nations Command during UFG, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.

Reservists from the 701st COS, including Lt. Col. Greg Cassidy, have been participating in UFG since the mid-1990s.

"These two weeks are what we train for throughout the year," said Cassidy. "Our mission is to augment the 7th Air Force and the Korean Area of Responsibility, and these scenarios are designed to simulate exactly what we would face if we were called to support the ROK."

UFG and other CFC exercises are defense oriented while training a full range of military capabilities to ensure participants are fully prepared for any contingency.

The exercise, previously named Ulchi-Focus Lens, began in 1976 to enhance wartime planning, command and control operations, intelligence, logistics and personnel procedures for the defense of the Republic of Korea.