Osan to host Pacific Thunder

by 7th Air Force Public Affairs

4/4/2014 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Osan Air Base will host exercise Pacific Thunder, an annual combined Combat Search and Rescue exercise focused on enhancing the combat readiness of U.S. and Republic of Korea Air Forces through combined combat search and rescue training.

The week-long exercise, beginning April 14, will replicate scenarios designed to train crews to execute and validate tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as integrate with combined air and command and control assets. The exercise will include A-10s and F-16s from the 51st Fighter Wing, F-16s from the 8th Fighter Wing, AV-8Bs from USMC's VAQ-223, HH-60 Pave Hawks from the 18th Wing and numerous other ROKAF aircraft and accompanying personnel.

Exercise Pacific Thunder is part of a continuous exercise program to enhance interoperability between U.S. and ROK forces and is not tied to any real-world or specific threats. These exercises highlight the longstanding military partnership, commitment and enduring friendship between the two nations, help to ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to stability in the Northeast Asia region.