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The ROK maintains highly trained armed forces to defend the country against a possible attack by North Korea, and the U.S. is committed to aid that defense. About one million ROK regular and reserve troops take part in this countrywide rear area defense exercise.
Photo by SSgt. Suzanne M. Jenkins, USAF |
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Aircraft Display
Before the air portion of RSOI/ FOAL EAGLE, more than 500 ROK government officials, community leaders, media representatives, and ROK Air Force Operation Command personnel and their families viewed air weapon systems at Osan Air Base. These systems were used in the exercises. Guests took opportunities to take photos and talk to the pilots of the U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, and the F-117 Nighthawk on display. ROK Air Force F-4 pilot Capt. Kim Jeong Min noted, “We don’t get to see these aircraft too often . . . especially the F-117.”
“The event was a resounding success,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William L. Holland, 51st Fighter Wing commander. “There are going to be many aircraft flying from the various airbases during this RSOI/FOAL EAGLE exercise, and we wanted to give the local community a chance to see some of these aircraft.” |
Air Force Operations
At the Hardened Theater Air Control Center (HTACC) on Osan Air Base, ROK and U.S. commanders simulated an air war with missions ranging from close air support to defensive counter air. “This is very challenging; we are always learning quite a bit about our capabilities as a joint and combined team,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Larry Brown.
As the aircrews trained overhead, ROK and U.S. forces practiced defending the base against 50 opposing airmen from Kunsan Air Base. The HTACC was a hive of activity as U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Lance L. Smith directed the air assets. Lt. Gen. Smith is Deputy Commander in Chief, United Nations Command; Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea; Commander, Air Component Command, ROK-U.S. CFC; and Commander, (U.S.) 7th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Osan Air Base, ROK. He is also the U.S. representative to the Joint Committee established by the ROK-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.
“FOAL EAGLE air base defense exercises are the largest in the U.S. Air Force today, and as such have become a benchmark for other air base defense exercises,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Dave Hazlett. “FOAL EAGLE after-action reports are basically historical documents in the security forces community.” |
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ROK Air Force MSgt. Park Kyu Tae pops marking smoke for incoming rescue aircraft during the Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) portion of Exercise RSOI/FOAL EAGLE.
Photo by SSgt. Stacy Pearsall, USAF |
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Camp Carroll in the ROK is the location of prepositioned U.S. Army equipment and War Reserve Stocks for Allies.
Photo by SSgt. Suzanne M. Jenkins, USAF |
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ROK Officials Visit the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
With the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet Band, “The Orient Express,” providing musical entertainment, the crew of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) hosted a reception for several ROK senior government and military officials during the exercises. “It’s a privilege to bring the Carl Vinson Battle Group here,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Evan M. Chanik, Commander of Carrier Group Three, to the guests and crew. “Our visit represents [the U.S.] government’s commitments to our allies and our friends in this region . . . to maintaining peace and stability. It’s a privilege to have an opportunity to contribute to the history between our two nations.”
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Thomas Hubbard told the ROK visitors “I believe the presence of the USS Carl Vinson here in Pusan and your participation in the exercise [RSOI/FOAL EAGLE] taking place are a testament to the importance of our relationship with Korea . . . and the U.S. commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea.”
Although a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier has historically participated in the exercise, this was the first time in four years one had made a port visit to the Republic of Korea during the exercise. |
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