KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --
The 8th Fighter Wing was generating combat airpower and preparing mission ready Airmen to defend the base, accept follow-on-forces and take the fight north during exercise Freedom Shield 26, March 9-19, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
FS26 is an annual combined joint all-domain exercise that’s defensive in nature designed to strengthen alliance between the U.S. and ROK, enhance our combined defense posture, and improve joint readiness.
“Wolf Pack Airmen know they’re a part of something bigger than just the Wing. Freedom Shield 26 provided our Wolf Pack an opportunity to align our tactical objectives with Seventh Air Force and U.S. Forces Korea’s mission priorities,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Kathryn “Wolf” Gaetke, 8th FW commander. “At the local level, we practiced defending the base, accepting follow-on forces and generating combat power, and that readiness is an important part of U.S. strategy.”
Airmen built on multiple iterations of ability to survive and operate exercises flexing to operate in a contested environment while augmenting the 8th Security Forces Squadron through a ready reserve force and manning defensive fighting positions across the Wing.
This Freedom Shield featured the return of medical airlift to Kunsan AB. With the U.S. Naval Station Norfolk, Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron HM-15 “Blackhawks”.
Between rapid airfield damage repair, augmenting security forces, and supporting casualty collection Airmen banded together to do whatever it takes to defend the Korean Peninsula.
Whether it was assisting in medical evacuations, repairing runways, or defending the base, every Wolf Pack member worked to make Freedom Shield 26 a success. Ensuring that our rock-solid operational partnership with the Republic of Korea and joint operations through USFK continue to endure.