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.
A half-dozen pilots from one of the Air Force’s premier F-16 units, the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., have been awarded one of the service’s highest decorations for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.