Boarding the ROK-US Combined F-15K Patrol Flight Experience

[Daegu=Joint Press Corps of the Ministry of National Defense & Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] Around 2 p.m. on the 20th, four F-15K fighter jets armed with air-to-air missiles were preparing for takeoff inside a hangar (commonly called an ‘igloo’) at Daegu Air Base. These aircraft were operated by the 102nd Squadron under the 11th Fighter Wing. They were undergoing final checks to participate in the ‘Republic of Korea Armed Forces Solo and ROK-US Combined Patrol Flight,’ conducted over two days starting the previous day to commemorate the Month of National Defense. Daegu Air Base holds special significance as the site where the Republic of Korea Air Force first launched sorties during the Korean War.

The flights took place over two days, from the 20th to the 21st. On the 20th, the patrol flight was conducted solely by the ROK Air Force, while on the 21st, it was carried out in a combined ROK-US format. Four reporters from the Ministry of National Defense press corps were selected to cover the event. This marked the first time in about seven years since late 2015, during the Park Geun-hye administration, that the ROK Air Force allowed journalists to participate in fighter jet flights. Notably, this was the first time that journalists flew onboard a combined ROK-US Air Force patrol flight rather than a solo ROK Air Force flight, according to Air Force officials. This was interpreted as a demonstration that the ROK-US alliance’s joint defense posture is becoming even stronger as North Korea escalates its nuclear and missile threats.

On the first day of flight, the 11th Fighter Wing Commander, Brigadier General Kim Tae-wook, personally commanded from the rear seat of the F-15K lead aircraft. The flight route was planned as follows: ‘Daegu Base → Pohang & Ulsan → Busan & Geoje Island area → Hapcheon & Haeinsa Temple area → Sejong → Pyeongtaek → Gangneung → Daegu Base.’ Each of the four F-15Ks housed in the igloo was boarded by two pilots. As the formation moved to the runway, air traffic controllers gave the takeoff clearance around 3:05 p.m. With the roar of engines, the aircraft rapidly accelerated down the runway and swiftly ascended into the sky.

Daegu Base, the starting point of this flight, holds a meaningful place in the history of national defense. Major Kang Yo-han, the 1st Flight Leader of the 102nd Squadron, explained, “This is precisely where the ROK Air Force first launched a historic sortie on July 3, 1950, with ten U.S. Air Force F-51 Mustang fighters during the Korean War.” After departing Daegu Base, the formation entered Pohang airspace in just six minutes. Then, within about five more minutes, they reached Ulsan. Pohang was also the site of the ‘Battle of Pohang’ from August 11 to 31, 1950. While flying over Pohang and Ulsan, the fighters passed over the Ulsan Industrial Complex and Pohang Steelworks, symbols of economic development.

The F-15K formation entered Busan airspace at 3:20 p.m. They flew over Gwangandaegyo Bridge, a representative Hallyu maritime tourist attraction, and Busan Port, symbolizing the world’s eighth-largest trading nation. After passing Busan New Port, the formation flew over Geoga Bridge, which connects Busan and Geoje Island, and then over the shipyards of Geoje Island. The flight route was chosen partly to reflect on the history of the Geoje Island internment camp. Around 3:35 p.m., the formation entered the Hapcheon area in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. They flew over Gayasan Mountain, including Haeinsa Temple, which houses the ‘Tripitaka Koreana,’ a Korean national treasure designated as a UNESCO World Documentary Heritage.

At around 3:58 p.m., the formation entered Sejong City, a symbol of balanced national development and home to the government complex. On the first day, the entire flight was conducted solely by the ROK Air Force. On the second day, from Sejong City to Pyeongtaek, a combined ROK-US patrol flight was conducted. Major Kang stated, “The Republic of Korea Armed Forces will protect freedom and democracy on this land through a strong ROK-US alliance and will decisively suppress any provocations by overwhelming force.”

The four U.S. Air Force F-16s that joined the formation demonstrated teamwork by flying in close formation, within just tens to 100 meters of the ROK Air Force formation. Captain Park Jin-eung, who piloted the number two aircraft in the formation, explained, “Thanks to frequent joint flights between the ROK and U.S. Air Forces, we were able to conduct such close-proximity patrol flights this time.”

At around 4:02 p.m., the formation reached Pyeongtaek. From the rear seat, the reporter’s view included the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Plant, the world’s largest semiconductor production facility. Major Kang explained the flight route by saying, “Including the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Plant in the route expresses our hope that it will remain the heart of South Korea’s economic development for a long time.” After the combined ROK-US patrol flight to Pyeongtaek on the second day concluded, the ROK formation sent a farewell message to the U.S. formation, saying, “Thank you for your flight support!”

The ROK formation then turned eastward from Pyeongtaek toward Gangwon Province. They reached Gangneung airspace around 4:18 p.m. Captain Han Seung-hoon, who piloted the number three aircraft, introduced Gangneung as “the site of an air force forward base during the Korean War.” After passing the Gangneung coast, the rugged peaks of the Taebaek Mountains, the backbone of the Korean Peninsula, unfolded before them. The pilots pledged to protect the freedom and peace of this beautiful land, preserved through the blood and sweat of patriotic martyrs, and returned to Daegu Base around 4:55 p.m. Reporters noted that veteran pilots’ excellent skills allowed them to complete the long flight without difficulty.

However, the air force pilots’ mission did not end there. Some pilots in the formation were immediately assigned to a quick reaction alert team, ready for sortie in case of emergency. Commander Kim emphasized, “As soldiers, we never let our guard down regarding the North Korean situation,” adding, “Based on a strong force that the people can trust and rely on, we want to always show the people a confident and unwavering stance.”