The Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force concluded the two-week combat search and rescue Exercise Pacific Thunder at Osan AB, Korea, on Oct. 23. “This exercise helps us bring together assets who would be involved and integrated into a real world CSAR mission,” said Capt. Jerrod Dillon, 25th Fighter Squadron flight safety officer, in a release. “It also gives US forces a chance to integrate and execute with our ROKAF counterparts, further building the combined force proficiency and readiness,” he added. A-10s from Osan’s 25th FS integrated with HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters from the 33rd Rescue Squadron from Kadena AB, Japan, as well as marine EA-6B electronic warfare aircraft and ROKAF air assets.
The U.S. sent Air Force F-16s over central Syria in a show of force following the Dec. 13 killing of two U.S. Army Soldiers and one American civilian interpreter by a gunman linked to the Islamic State group.
