HOW IT WAS! KUNSAN AIRBASE 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing & Deployed/Tenant Units & Nuclear Alert (1971-1974)

• History of the 3rd TFW:
  
• Downsizing in Korea:
  
• Kunsan Airport
  
• Background on Fighter 35th, 36th and 80th Tactical Fighter Squadrons:
  
• 1971
  • 3rd TFW Arrives:
    
  • Nuclear Alert Pad:
    
  • Aircraft Arches, Hangars and Parking ramp:
    
  • Aircraft Maintenance Capability:
    
  • Supply Systems:
    
  • Housing and Infrastructure:
    
• 1972
  • 35th TFS Deploys to Vietnam:
    
  • Deployments to Kunsan:
    
  • Transfer of 18 F-4Ds to RoKAF:
    
• 1973
  • Offbase:
    
• 1974
  • 3rd TFW Leaves for Clark AB and 8th TFW Arrives
    
  • Seoul-Kunsan Airline Route:
    
  • Offbase:
    
  • Silvertown:
    
• U.S. Army Tenant Units:
  • Co C USASTRATCOM Long Lines Battalion South
    
  • B Battery/1st Battalion/44th Air Defense Artillery
    
  • U.S. Army Nike unit at Kimje (Camp Echo Hill)
    
• 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1974-Present)

Minuteman Award of Excellence: Waves

Albritton Family Unique Website Award: Albritton Family Homepage

Acknowledgement: Thanks to Herman Aki , MSgt, USAF (Ret) for his narratives on the life of the base. Thanks to Kiyomi Noriye , SMSgt, USAF (Ret) of Las Vegas, Nevada for his narratives and photos. Thanks to Geary Sims for his photo and narratives of life at Kunsan. Thanks to Vernon Wagner for his vignettes of life at Kunsan in 1971. Thanks to the "Flying Fiends" Website for the history of the 36th TFS (written in 1980 by Capt Scott Miller, 36 TFS and TSgt John Sullivan, Wing Historian) that gives some insights into the very confusing period for the base transitioning for its first operational wing in fifty years. Thanks to the 3rd Wing History for its incomparable history -- though during this period the details of the unit are very sparce.

History of the 3rd TFW: The 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing ("Grim Reapers") is a redesignation of the unit previously known as the 3rd Bombardment Wing that was stationed at Kunsan in the early 1950's, After the truce took hold to end hostilities in Korea, the 3rd Bombardment Wing (and 3rd Bombardment Group) was transferred in October 1954 to Johnson Air Base, Japan. The 3rd BW was redesignated as the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing in 1964 and rotated to the States -- and the 3rd BG deactivated in 1965 after 46 years of continuous service. (See 3rd Bombardment Wing deactivated after the Korean War? .)

The lineage and honors of the 3rd Bomb Group were bestowed upon the 3rd Wing to preserve the unit's proud traditions and heritage. The 3rd Wing was transformed into a light attack unit flying primarily F-100 Supersabres along with other attack aircraft from Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam starting in 1965. The wing flew thousands of sorties in support of allied forces, and conducted the combat acceptance testing of the A-37 Dragonfly--as it had done with the A-2, A-3, A-8, A-12, A-17, A-18, A-20 and A-26 in previous years.

After Vietnam, 3rd TFW Became a Paper Wing: After its withdrawal from Southeast Asia, the 3rd TFW was unmanned and unequipped. On 31 Oct 1970, the wing remained "active" in a "paper" status. It remained in this status until it moved to South Korea on 15 Mar 1971 where it was manned and equipped with F-4 aircraft. According to Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947-1977 , 1984, (p265), the 475th Tactical Fighter Wing "phased down at Misawa in early 1971 and inactivated on 15 Mar, all resources moving to Kunsan AB, South Korea, for the 3d Tactical Fighter Wing."

During this period of the Vietnam War, it was not uncommon for "paper wings" to exist. These were wings whose units had been deployed to Vietnam -- sometimes indefinitely -- and existed only to maintain the bases awaiting the return of their flying squadrons. Some wings existed in name only without aircraft assigned -- just as the 3rd TFW was itself "active" on paper, unmanned and unequipped between 31 Oct 1970 and 15 Mar 1971. In other wings, there were "paper squadrons." In these squadrons, aircraft were reassigned from units to replace aircraft lost in combat in Vietnam.

Downsizing in Korea: The 1970s was a curious period for Korea. With Vietnam going on, troops were desperately needed there. In addition, the American government was having a hard time justifying their support of the iron-fisted dictatorship of Park Chung-Hee. America was seeking to disengage itself from the Korean problem in 1970.

According to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) , "In 1970, a decision was made to reduce US forces in Korea in view of the capability of the ROK armed forces to take over the primary burden of ground defense of their country and in conjunction with a US-funded, five-year modernization package for the ROK armed forces. In March 1971, the 2nd Infantry Division pulled back from the DMZ and turned over its area of responsibility to a ROK Army division. By late March, the only area of the DMZ still guarded by U.S. troops was a 1,000-meter wide sector in the vicinity of Panmunjom, site of the meetings between the UNC and the Korean People's Army/Chinese People's Volunteers components of the Military Armistice Commission. The planned reduction in Eighth Army was completed on schedule as the command's authorized strength was reduced by over 18,000 by the end of June 1971."

According to THE INVITATION TO STRUGGLE: EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COMPETITION OVER THE U.S. MILITARY PRESENCE ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Part III) by William E. Berry, Jr., May 17, 1996, Nixon had shifted U.S. policy whereby the U.S. would provide air and naval support, but all ground troops were to be provided by the countries themselves.

During a trip to Asia in July 1969, the President indicated on several occasions that American allies must assume more of the responsibility in providing for their own defense and the broader security of the region. The United States would continue to play a role, but the individual countries would have to do more. At the conclusion of his trip, Nixon released a statement on Guam which became known as the Nixon Doctrine. Briefly, this doctrine contained three main principles. First, the United States would keep its treaty commitments. Second, the nuclear umbrella would continue to be extended to those countries deemed vital to American security interests. Third, and most important as far as the troop issue is concerned, the United States would furnish economic and military assistance, but the country directly involved would be responsible for providing the actual manpower for its own defense. What this meant essentially was that the United States would consider providing air and naval support to an ally, but the ground forces would have to come from the country itself.

In August 1969, President Park Chung Hee and President Nixon met in San Francisco. They issued a joint communique; at the conclusion of this meeting which was significantly different from that issued after Park's meeting with President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Rather than the pledge to offer "prompt and effective assistance to repel armed attack" that his predecessor had made, Nixon agreed only "to meet armed attack against the Republic of Korea in accordance with the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic of Korea and the United States."

In 1971, Nixon began to reduce the ground presence in Korea by withdrawing the 7th Infantry Division. After this withdrawal, only the 2nd Infantry Division remained. This action reduced the U.S. military forces from approximately 60,000 soldiers to about 40,000. Because of the deterrent value attributed to the American presence, the Korean government was profoundly disturbed by the Nixon decision. As a result, President Park launched a major effort during the early 1970s in the Third Five- year Economic Development Plan (1972-76) to increase the industrial capabilities of his country so that South Korea would become as self-sufficient as possible in the production of military hardware. Park gave particular attention to the development of the iron and steel industries, heavy machinery, transport equipment, and chemical industrialization. Quite obviously, Korean confidence in American reliability was shaken by the Nixon troop withdrawal decision at least in part because of policy differences between the executive and the legislative branches and also by concerns that the ROK was not as important to the United States as other geopolitical and geostrategic considerations. The latent fears always just below the surface of the bilateral relationship were exacerbated by this action.

1971

3rd Tactical Fighter Wing

"BLACK PANTHERS" 35th TFS (Mar 71 - Sep 74)

"FLYING FIENDS" 36th TFS (May 71 - Sep 71)

"HEADHUNTERS" 80th TFS (Sep 71 - Sep 74)

(NOTE: An excellent website for the 36th TFS, go to "Flying Fiends" .)

After it arrived without personnel or equipment, the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing absorbed the 35th TFS "Black Panthers" (Mar 71) and 36th TFS "Flying Fiends" (May 71) -- the original two squadrons of the 8th Pursuit Group (and later the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing) prior to the Korean War. In Sep 71, the 36th TFS left for Osan AB and the 80th TFS, a sister squadron from the Korean War days with the 8th FBW, joined the 3rd TFW.

(NOTE: The 35th "Pantons" nickname evolved as the units accepted name AFTER the unit was attached to the 8th TFW. As late as 1972 while a part of the 3rd TFW, the unit was still officially known as the "Black Panthers". However, Joe Lee Burns , Col, USAF (ret) stated, "Pantons. The term was being used almost interchangeably with Panthers when I got to Kunsan in Sep '71. It seems to me that some of the jocks who had been in 35th at Yokota before moving to Kunsan used the term more than the newbies. So, it may have a Japanese origin????? But it seems to me that the 35th Yokota guys were TDY to Korea quite a bit in those days." From this, it is most likely the Pantons moniker was of Japanese derivation -- but it is uncertain.

It is assumed that the unit changed its nickname in the 1970s to distance itself from the racially-charged and militant "Black Panthers" of the "Black Power" movement of the 60s-70s.)

---

35th, 36th and 80th TFS, 347th TFW Move to Kunsan: In May 1964 the 35th, 36th and 80th TFS were detached from the 8th TFW when the wing returned stateside. The squadrons moved from Itazuke to Yokota Air Base, Japan, where they were first attached to the 41st Air Division. The squadrons would later be transferred to the 6441st Tactical Fighter Wing at Yokota; and finally to the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing at Yokota.

Kunsan was considered a Forward Operating Location (FOL) at this time. On 18 Dec 1967, the first F-4C aircraft from the 347th TFW from Yokota AB arrived at Kunsan AB. (NOTE: This FOL info is in question as the 39th AD seems to have supported the Kunsan nuclear alert up till the Det 1 475th TFW took over. However, we know that the Det 1 347th had F-4Cs at Kunsan in Dec 67 and left the initial cadre and equipment that formed the Det 1 475th TFW at Kunsan.) On 9 Jan 1968, the units returned to Yokota, but left certain maintenance and support personnel in Korea to work future deployments. The Det 1 475th TFW absorbed this equipment into their unit.

Though stationed at Yokota AB, Japan, the 35th, 36th and the 80th supported tactical air operations and air sector defense in Korea starting from 1968 on a rotation basis. Det 1 347th TFW operated out of Osan AB.

After 1971 it becomes a little confusing as to units being assigned and transferred. On Feb. 15, 1971, the 80th TFS (along with the 35th TFS and 36th TFS ) of the 347th TFW moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan Air Base and were temporarily assigned to Detachment 1, 475th Tactical Fighter Wing . The units flew the F-4D Phantom II. (NOTE: Remember that according to Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947-1977 , 1984, (p265), the 475th Tactical Fighter Wing "phased down at Misawa in early 1971 and inactivated on 15 Mar, all resources moving to Kunsan AB, South Korea, for the 3d Tactical Fighter Wing." In essence, the bulk of the personnel and equipment were from the 475th, while the flying squadrons "name designations" from the 347th. The 35th/36th/80th flew F-4Cs with the 347th TFW, but the 475th TFW flew F-4Ds. The support equipment of the two aircraft were different. Thus all resources were from the 475th TFW and passed to the 3rd TFW upon its arrival in May 1971.)

Kiyomi Noriye , SMSgt USAF (ret) of Nevada wrote, "The 347th T.F.W. from Yokota was being reshuffled back stateside but aircraft and personnel being re-assigned to Kadena A.B. Osan's runway was closing down at this time so I was sent to Kunsan with several other personnel to help set up a alert pad with our maintenance personnel coming in from Kadena." Kiyo added later, "After a tour in Vietnam I was back at Yokota with F-4c's. I was the night line Chief at our detachment at Osan when all our aircrafts left Japan for Okinawa and to Kunsan. This was 1971." This detachment was the Det 1 347th TFW from Yokota.

He continued, "Our detachment was ordered to move all our maintenance gear -- lock stock and barrel -- on several 40 ft. flatbed truck and trailers and all our 6-pak alert vehicles, 12 in all, to maintain alert duties while Kunsan was getting operationally ready. This was early 1971 and around 6-7 month later we were finished and moved all the equipment to Taegu except the pickups needed for alert. At Osan I was T.D.Y. on D diamond with F-100s, C diamond with F-105s and B diamond with F-4C s and A diamond too." Ricky Ornelas of Victorville, CA was also present during this time. He wrote, "TDY to Kunsan from Kadena, Oki. PCS Kunsan 1972 to 1974 and 1976 to 1978." (NOTE: We are assuming that the initial move to Taegu was dictated by the problems with the BAK-12 runway arresting systems at Osan under the 51st ABW while upgrading Osan AB as an operational base in 1971. Later the 51st Composite Wing would assume control of both Taegu AB (K-2) and Osan AB in 1974.)

Kiyomi Noriye explained the move to Taegu later. He wrote, "In 1971 at the end of our Commitment for alert duties at Kunsan A.B. was completed, Our detachment was directed to move all maintenance equipment ... assigned to Det. 1 (and were directed) to proceed to Taegu A.B. for the Aircrafts that were coming into Taegu from Kadena on T.D.Y. If you are acquainted with F-4 aircrafts you know there is a difference between a C and a D model. At Yokota we had F-4Cs in our inventory while the F-4Ds were with the 475th." (NOTE: Bruce Charles of the Det 1 475th TFW stated that F-4Ds were introduced to Misawa in the second quarter of 1970.)

Kiyo went on, "The Yokota aircrafts were all moved to Kadena and so you can understands why the move for the ground support equipment to Taegu. All ground support equipment was still part of our inventory, now belonging to Kadena. Taegu as far as I know, was just a T.D.Y. base for accomplishing readiness, fulfilling flying commitments and pilot efficiency. We left Our support equipment there for them and returned to Kunsan for our reassignment back to Japan/Okinawa. When or where or how the reorganizations came about I do not know. However I assume you are correct about the runway being repaired and the barrier problems, otherwise we would have been able to fulfill our alert from Osan." (NOTE: The BAK-12 arresting equipment on the Osan runways were having difficulties and there was problems sorting out the air communications coordination. This was the reason the 36th TFS remained with the 347th instead of immediately being transferred to Osan with the 51st ABW.)

MHU83 jammer of 3rd TFW AGE (Nov 71)
(Randy Bryant)

It appears the 3rd TFW was initially set up to receive all resources from Misawa. However, all fighter units were departing mainland Japan, so it is a fair assumption that personnel were being filled with a mix from both Yokota and Misawa. Yokota's 347th TFW squadrons (35th/36th/80th TFS) were name changes only as it operated F-4Cs and Kunsan would become an F-4D base. Remember that according to Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947-1977 , 1984, (p265), the 475th Tactical Fighter Wing "phased down at Misawa in early 1971 and inactivated on 15 Mar, all resources moving to Kunsan AB, South Korea, for the 3d Tactical Fighter Wing."

According to Kiyomi Noriye , the 347th was being shuttled stateside (in name only), but the equipment and personnel were going to Kadena. This is very confusing period. One report stated the reason the fighter aircraft was moved from Misawa was because of the earthquake damage of 1971. However, it is more reasonable to assume that the political climate had made stationing war-fighting aircraft on mainland Japan intolerable -- Japan was on the move to becoming a G-7 nation. Remember that Okinawa at the time was still a U.S. "possession" prior to the island voting to become part of Japan. The Park Chung-Hee dictatorship had been "bought off" with promises of financial aid, equipment upgrades for the ROK military in exchange for its Vietnam support. Expanding into Korea was to the ROK advantage. The bottom line was that at the end of 1971 no fighter aircraft were left at either Misawa or Yokota. All of Misawa's F-4D aircraft were sent to Kunsan. All of Yokota's F-4C aircraft were sent to Kadena. At Yokota, the base was administered by the new 475th Air Base Wing (ABW) in November 1971, flying UH-1N Hueys and CT-39As to support HQ 5th Air Force.

At this same time, the newly assigned 51st Air Base Wing (ABW) took over Osan AB. The base airfield facilities were being upgraded to house a permanent wing. There appears to have been problems at Osan in stationing high-performance fighters there permanently. The problems dealt with air control coordination and the installation of BAK-12 arresting systems. It appears that the 80th was temporarily assigned to the 347th TFW in order to assist in the FOL commitment at Osan AB (Det 1 347th TFW).

As a result, the 36th was forced to be split between Yokota and supporting the FOL at Kunsan (along with the 35th). In May 1971, the 36th was officially assigned to the 3rd TFW (which had arrived in March to assume control of the base) and the 3rd TFW picked up the nuclear alert commitment as part of its mission.

However, by July 1971, the 36th was making preparations to move to Osan. In September 1971, the 36th TFS left for Osan. (NOTE: The 36th history written in 1980 gives "November 1971" as the movement date.)

At Osan, the newly assigned 51ABW (Air Base Wing) was tasked with upgrading the base to house a permanent air wing. The 36th took over all of the FOL duties at Osan as Det 1 347th TFW.

Once the 36th was in place, the 80th was assigned to the 3rd TFW in September 1971. Thus the 35th and 80th became the permanent squadrons of the 3rd TFW.

At first, the 36th was assigned to the 314th Air Division and continued to operate as a FOL. It was finally attached to the 51st Composite Wing (Tactical) starting from 30 Sep 1974 -- three years after it left Kunsan. According to the Air Force Historical Research Agency , the 51st ABW would become the 51st Composite Wing in 30 September 1974 and later the 51st TFW in July 1982.

"FLYING FIENDS"
36th TFS (May 71 - Sep 71)

This confusing period is described in the "Flying Fiends" website, the history of the 36th TFS (written in 1980 by Capt Scott Miller, 36 TFS and TSgt John Sullivan, Wing Historian) gives some insights into this strange reshuffling. It states,

"In 1971, due to increased commitments, a reduction in the number of aircraft, and a move to a Forward Operating Location (FOL) at Kunsan AB, Korea (on a rotating basis) the squadron faced a period of extreme hardship. Individuals were confronted with turbulence in their work environment and made large individual sacrifices for the sake of the mission. In February 1971, with the transfer of the 35th TFS to the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, the 36th became the only remaining fighter squadron in the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing. The squadron was divided into two sections; A and B. In March 1971, Section A moved to Kunsan AB, to assume alert duties. Section B moved to an FOL at Osan AB. As the year progressed, each month the squadron's two sections would switch assignments, with an occasional return to Yokota AB. By mid-May 1971, the 36th was officially reassigned from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB as a part of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing."

"In July preparations began for moving the 36th to Osan AB. The greatest problems were the installment of runway barriers and briefing Osan AB personnel on coordination of high performance aircraft with normal air traffic in that sector. However, those problems were overcome and the 36th moved to Osan AB on 13 November 1971. In late November 1971, the F-4Cs were housed in hardened arches/shelters, called Wonder Arches by maintenance personnel. The primary mission of the 36th was to maintain a combat ready posture, assume alert requirements and continue aircrew training."

"HEADHUNTERS"
80th TFS (Sep 71 - Sep 74)

The following was excerpt tells of the "Juvats" arrival at Kunsan in February 1971 and how it became the "Juvats" from the old 391st TFS. The excerpt is from 80th Fighter Squadron Headhunters Association , an excellent 80th Fighter Squadron website of Col. "Jaybird" Riddel. The passage reads:

The following was downloaded from the home page of Demetrio J. "KATO" Aguila, III, MD , Captain, USAF, MC, FS

On 15 February, 1971, the 80th moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea, and was temporarily assigned to Det 1, 475th TFW. After a few months, the 80th was in the process of being deactivated. Fortunately, former "Headhunter" Lt Gen Jay T. Robbins, who was Vice Commander of TAC at the time, caught the action and rescued us at the last minute. Instead, we were re-staffed with new personnel, primarily from the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron. The 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron's insignia was a tiger's head on an inverted triangular green background. Below the patch, on a rocker, was the 391st motto "AUDENTES FORTUNA JUVAT" which translates from the Latin: "Fortune Favors the Bold". This motto subsequently became the new "Headhunters" motto. As the new "Headhunters" were removing their old 391st patches, they would grasp the triangular patch by the upper left hand corner to tear them off. All would tear off except the word "JUVAT". It caught on immediately. The harder the higher echelons attempted to stamp it out, the more entrenched it became (to the point of covering the Wing Commander's flight suit with "JUVAT" patches each time he hung a flight suit on the line to dry!).

The motto has also been adopted by the Squadron, with very common usage. We also mentioned that Sol Harp was the first JUVAT! Seeing that Sol was there at the time, here are more details from him of that beginning:

"The 80th TFS was the first fighter squadron formed under the 3rd TFW at Kunsan Air Base, Korea during March 1971. The aircraft came from the deactivated 475th TFW at Misawa (Japan) and the personnel primarily from the 391st TFS of the 475th TFW. Lt Col Bill Driver, Commander of the 391st TFS, was the first 80th TACTICAL Fighter Squadron Commander.

Lt Col "Curly" Reeder was the 80th TFS Commander during May of 1971 before I (Sol Harp) became the Commander in June 1971. One day, Lt Jeff Feinstein (an Ace of the Vietnam War) came to my office with the JUVAT patch and requested the patch be sewn on the flight suit sleeve of an aircrew member of the Squadron who had excelled in his flying duties. I asked Jeff the meaning of JUVAT and where it came from. He gave me a paper with four meanings of "AUDENTES FORTUNA JUVAT" which translates from the Latin "Fortune Favors the Bold." (A copy of the original paper was included with Sol's letter showing the first person to use that motto was Virgil [70 - 19 BC])!! I approved Jeff's request, and the patch was sewn on an aircrew member's flight suit without his knowledge. Incidentally, I was the first JUVAT Squadron Commander!"

Det 2 33rd ARRS "Pedros": From 1968-1969, Kunsan was supported by the HH-43B Huskies -- commonly called "Pedro" -- of the 41st ARRS, Det 11. (See 41st ARRS Det 11: 1968 .)

After the 3rd TFW arrived, the unit designation changed. The 3rd TFW was supported by the 47th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS), Detachment 11 which was part of the Military Airlift Command (MAC) 441st ARRW. The 47th ARRS was activated at Fuchu AB, Japan. According to HH-43 Huskie , the HH-43B in PACAF outside S.Vietnam and Thailand became assigned to 47 ARRS as of 01 June 1970.

From 1970-1971 two HH-43Bs were assigned: 58-1848 & 60-0260. On 30 Mar 71, HH-43B 59-1593 was delivered from 47 ARRS/KwangJu and 60-0260 was sent to KwangJu AB on 30 Mar for disassembly and then flown to CONUS (Eglin AFB, FL) on 05 Apr 71. The 47 ARRS was deactivated on 01 Jul 1971.

Between 1971-1973, the rescue role at Kunsan was performed by the 33 ARRS, Detachment 2 of the 41st ARRW. According to HH-43 Huskie , "during the period AUG - DEC 1971 all HH-43B in the region were modified to HH-43F configuration." The following listing of aircraft is from this site. "JUL 1971: HH-43B 58-1848, 59-1593; 1972: HH-43F 58-1848, 59-1593; HH-43F 60-0251 delivered from Osan AB on 09 OCT72; HH-43F 60-0252 delivered from Osan AB on 12 OCT72; 58-1848 to Osan AB on 12 OCT72 for disassembly and flown to CONUS (to MASDC, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ storage arrival 24 NOV72); 59-1593 to Osan AB on 12 OCT72 for disassembly and flown to CONUS (to MASDC, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ storage arrival 30 NOV72); 1973 : HH-43F 60-0251, 60-0252 (60-0251 taken out of service on 11 MAR73 (reclamation); 60-0252 taken out of service on 11 MAR73 (reclamation))"

---

3rd Tactical Fighter Wing

3rd TFW Arrives: Though the Wing was active on paper, there was no wing commander of the 3rd TFW from 1 Nov 1970 - 14 March 1971. In March 1971, the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing arrived to assume control of the base. Col. Abner M. Aust, Jr. assumed command on 15 March 1971. On 17 November 1971, Col Charles A. Watry took over the reins.

It seems the 35th TFS and 80th TFS were assigned to the 3rd TFW first in March 1971. The 36th TFS was the only squadron that remained in the 347th TFW.

Arrival of the First Aircraft: Herman Aki , MSgt, USAF (Ret) remembered the arrival. He wrote, "I can't remember the number of aircraft we got from Misawa AB, (33?) But in March 1971 they arrived at Kunsan with a flyover that spelled 3TFW and then landed." He later wrote, "There were some aircraft already in place, I was in Misawa in Feb 71 for FTD and we worked on their aircraft until they were sent over in March 71. I believe our aircraft launched that morning and grouped up with the incoming birds and had a great fly by."

Nuclear Alert Pad:

The 3rd TFW picked up the nuclear alert from the Det 1 475th TFW without any break as these aircraft from the 35th, 36th and 80th TFS -- originally from the 374th TFW and transferred to the 475th TFW -- were already in place.

However, along the line the PACAF SIOP must have changed. While the Det 1 475th TFW pulled the alert, Bruce Charles , an F-4C pilot, stated that they had 8-10 aircraft on alert -- meaning 4-5 "hot" with 4-5 spares. He wrote, "F4Cs to about the second quarter of 1970 when F4Ds were introduced to Misawa. ... About 8 - 10 birds on alert, each with a single weapon. (I understand that they went to two weapons sometime after I left.)" The reduction was confirmed by Herman Aki who stated the 3rd TFW had 4 aircraft on alert -- meaning 2 "hot" and 2 spares. This would be in line with the changing nuclear deterent policies of the time. The U.S. was coming to realize that a ICBM could do the job of deterence much more effectively.

The nuclear alert at Kunsan had been going on without a break since April 1958 from the Contingency Pad (Charlie-Pad or C-Pad) until 1968 when it was moved to the Christmas Tree area.

The alert was first performed by the 3rd TFW's lineal ancestor, the 3rd Bombardment Wing flying B-57s. The Martin 272 site states, "The 3rd Bombardment Group, stationed in Japan and Korea, was given a nuclear-attack role. Equipped with Low Altitude Bombing System (LABS) computers, crews trained to toss their bombs in a 3.5g climb, then loop over and race away to escape the nuclear blast."

There appears to have been two quonset-type structures to house the nuclear alert aircraft on the C-pad at Kunsan. The area consisted of a double-fenced area and the "silver bullet" was convoyed from the Ammo Dump across the street.

After the deactivation of the 3rd Bombardment Wing, the nuclear commitment at Kunsan was fulfilled first by the 39th Air Division from 1964-1967. The F-100s were the aircraft that fulfilled this commitment. After 1967, the 475th TFW took over the nuclear alert commitment until the 3rd Wing took over the base. The 475th had transitioned to F-4s. The Christmas Tree area was built in 1968 and the alert aircraft moved to the Christmas Tree area.

The PACAF Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP) Quick Reaction Alert commitment consisted first of eight to ten F-4C aircraft (4-5 prime with 4-5 spares) sitting on alert fully-loaded with nuclear weapons at Kunsan. However, the SIOP commitment was later changed to four F-4D aircraft -- two prime and two spares. This nuclear alert was performed first by the 39th AD and then by Det 1 475th TFW until Feb 71.

In Mar 71, the 3rd TFW assumed control of this alert function. The nuclear alert continued unchanged in the Christmas tree area with 4 aircraft. Herman Aki confirmed this by stating, "We did have 4 aircraft on alert in the tree area at all times."

After 1968, Det 1 475th TFW were housed in the eight arches in the "Tree Area" at the south end of the runway. Bruce Charles , an F-4C pilot wrote, "From (about) January, 1968 to May, 1970, when I left, The 475th Wing from Misawa AFB, Japan pulled nuke alert at Kunsan. South end of runway ... Alert "Christmas Tree"... big fences, no beer, lots of unhappy fellows with guns, etc. I think this started (or restarted) as a result of the USS Pueblo ... or that is what we were told was the reason we were diverted from other sunny SEA duty." He continued, "F4Cs to about the second quarter of 1970 when F4Ds were introduced to Misawa. ... About 8 - 10 birds on alert, each with a single weapon. (I understand that they went to two weapons sometime after I left.)"

As was mentioned before, when the 3rd TFW took over the nuclear alert, it was done without a hitch as the squadrons who had this responsibility (35th/36th/80th TFS) were already in place. In 1974, the active nuclear alert requirement would be eliminated, though a war-time tasking remained at the base until 1992.

(NOTE: The Christmas Tree bunkers were turned over to the ROKAF after the SIOP nuclear commitment moved to the 18th TFW in Kadena in October 1974. Soon afterwards, the 18th TFW nuclear tasking was eliminated as well. The 8th TFW assumed a non-alert nuclear commitment whereby it continued to store nuclear weapons at Kunsan and practice its use until 1992. In 1992, all nuclear weapons were removed from Korea.)

Aircraft Arches, Hangars and Parking ramp:

Herman Aki confirms that the Arches were in place when the 3rd TFW arrived. He wrote, "The 80th FS was in the lower Whiskey Arches and the 35th FS was in higher arches 26 thru 43, I believe there might have been a third squadron for a short while and that was the 36th FS." He later wrote, "The Arches were there when I arrived in Jan 71, some of the lower arches that had curtains were used as storage, our flight offices were trailers until they built the complex across from the LOX plant."


Arch Area (1978)

(Courtesy Kenneth Wisz )
Click on Photos to enlarge

From Herman's statement, two things can be deduced. The first is that the Whiskey Arches were IN PLACE when the aircraft for the 3rd TFW arrived. The arch construction was first started in 1969 and it appears that it was started by Red Horse and completed under local contract of the Samil Company. The Samil Co. had the follow-on contract for the arches from 1971-1973. The second is that there was inadequate Supply Storage areas. (NOTE: The use of the arches with a canvas covering for Base Supply storage was continued into the 1990s.)

On the first account, as the Arches were in place, it means that the arches were built between January 1968 and March 1971. John Wilkerson with the 6175th ABG in January 1968, stated that no arches existed when the 4th TFW deployed to Kunsan for the Pueblo Incident.

The building of the Whiskey Arch area was started built by the 557th CES (HR) (Red Horse) when the unit was deployed to Kunsan between April 68 - October 69. According to eye-witness reports, the construction started in the arch area in March 69 and by May 69 three arches had been built. However, at that rate, it would have been impossible to complete all the arches before they left in October 1969. It is for this reason that we feel that there were other Korean construction companies involved prior to the 3rd TFW arriving which constructed the majority of the arch area. (See 354th CSG: 1969 for arch info.)

Arch Area (1969)

(Courtesy Ed Mullin )
Click on Photos to enlarge

Ed Mullin wrote about the construction in 1969, "The aircraft revetments were built by Red Horse and a Korean Contractor. That was quite a large project, which include an east/west taxiway off the main runway. G.E.E.I.A troops were also there installing the communications around the revetments. "

Ed continued, "The Korean contractor that was doing the project was doing it with mostly laborers, who did not have much equipment. (That is) until the Air Force guys started taking the Air Forces equipment out at night and doing excavation and hauling of dirt and stone. The contractor was paying our guys in cash (WON). When they came back to the barracks at night they had bags of cash. Nobody got caught and the project was finished in time."

(SITE NOTE: Our personal opinion is that Kunsan is too small a base to hide the fact that USAF equipment was being used "illegally" on a project of this size. Regardless that the work was done at night, all one had to do was look south from the main base to see the arch area and the equipment in use. Most assuredly the wing overhead knew full well of this use misuse of government equipment, but opted to turn a blind-eye as the project was of the highest priority to be completed on-time. It was a wise decision. At that time, plans were already in the works to relocate the 3rd TFW to the base in 1971 after the ANG units one-year activation was up and they returned stateside.)

The Samil Co. had a three-year contract #F62087-71-C-0108 for "Maint Hardened Aircraft Shelters, Kunsan AB" from May 25, 1971-June 25, 1973. From the photographs, none of the arches had the doors installed as yet so this maintenance was on the existing arches. For this reason, we suspect that the Samil Co. built the original arches and had a follow-on contract to maintain the arches.

In the 1970s, Korea had become a major construction nation that contracted on projects around the world -- such as building of the Saudi Arabian cities and irrigation projects in Libya. Korea had the expertise, the engineering support, labor force, materials and equipment to easily handle this type of project.

Whiskey Arches (1978)

(Courtesy Kenneth Wisz )
Click on Photos to enlarge

The Civil Engineering Squadrons' "Prime Beef" teams came over initially to set up the tent cities and make sure the infrastructure was capable of supporting the deployed troops. However, they weren't the heavy equipment operators that are needed to construct a permanent base. As a result, they assisted the 557th Red Horse in their massive projects. Reports state that in 1969, both units (557th and Prime Beef) combined to rework the C-pad area. Eye-witness accounts state that a large amount of concrete was used in the area. This fits with the large area that would be used to erect the modular buildings that would house the avionics and engine shops along with the washrack facilities.

The Tree Area was already in operation when the 4th TFW arrived for the Pueblo Incident and continued in use by the 3rd TFW for the nuclear alert.

Aircraft Maintenance Capability:

The Deputy Commander for Maintenance (DCM) complex was made up of the 3rd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) who handled the aircraft. The 3rd Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) had the Electric, Fuel, Engine, and Structural Repair/Machinist specialists. The 3rd Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron (AEMS) had the Weapons Control Systems (WCS), Radar, Comm and Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) specialists. These specialists were dispatched from the shop to the flightline for repairs on the aircraft.

Maintenance capabilities were hampered at first by the lack of proper maintenance facilities. Herman Aki wrote, "The Arches were there when I arrived in Jan 71, some of the lower arches that had curtains were used as storage, our flight offices were trailers until they built the complex across from the LOX plant." (NOTE: These trailers were still around in 1987 and used as a flightline chowhall during exercises.)

The OMS complex Herman refers to was located within the secured area across from the LOX plant. The buildings were prefab structures with one for each squadron's personnel and a central building for a flightline forward supply point. The squadron headquarters section was a small building at the end of the maintenance complex.

The DCM complex and Maintenance Control functions were located across the taxiway in one of the older buildings. Prefab structures were erected for the AEMS and FMS across from the DCM complex in the area of the old nuclear alert pad (C-pad). The nuclear alert had moved to the Christmas tree area previously and this area was open. There were some existing buildings previously used by the nuclear alert that were taken over by the AEMS and FMS functions. Initially some of the shops operated out of trailers. Later Avionics shops were setup in prefab structures. The WCS cal docks were in this area.

The F-4D Phantom aircraft was a labor intensive aircraft. The aircraft was designed around the engine and all later modifications were simply stuffed wherever there was space. The F-4 aircraft required minor and major Isochronal inspections, as well as depot-level TCTOs (Time-Compliance Technical Orders).

The minors could be easily accomplished anywhere, but the majors would require specialized facilities and supply systems. The majors were done in the enclosed 1950's "hangar barns" within the controlled area on the northwest end of the flightline area (closest to Avenue C). The smaller "barn" was used for the phases. The smaller hangar facing south was used for 780 equipment and AGE maintenance. (NOTE: When the 8th TFW took over the phase barn was turned over to the Fuel-cell maintenance/Aero-repair (AR) and the phase moved to the large open hangar that was opposite.)

However, the biggest problem for the maintenance effort would have been the supply system. Building a supply system from scratch to support a high-performance jet within a few months would have been nearly impossible. Planning normally takes a year or two to set things up and identify levels and stockage. There was inadequate storage and Herman Aki noted that some arches had curtains and were used for storage. (NOTE: Arches were still being used for supply bulk storage in 1987.)

It is apparent that it was decided early at the highest levels of planning that Kunsan would be treated as a Forward Operating Location (FOL) -- a base where there is minimal maintenance capability. Maintenance would be limited to "remove and replace" maintenance actions. Within the AEMS and FMS functions there would be limited repairs authorized at base level. Structural repair and Machine Shop functions would be very limited.

There is no sign that a test cell (engine runup test facility) was on the base until after the 3rd Wing arrived. A test cell was built in the AEMS area on the southend of base near the taxiway later using the prefab construction materials. (NOTE: The 4th TFW during the Pueblo Crisis brought in a mobile J-54 test cell that was set up at the end of what is now Taxiway Charlie. When the 4th TFW rotated back to the U.S., the mobile test cell went also.)

AGE Operations Garry R. Smith wrote, "I was in Kunsan with the 3rd FMS from September 1971 - November 1972. I worked as and AGE repairman. Spent many cold night out on the flight line keeping those F-4's going. I have been trying to locate anybody from my group. I remember us having a year book published while there. Mine was destroyed in a house fire in 1979. I lost contact with everybody after that." Later he wrote, "I do have a lot of great memories from Kunsan. We worked 6 12 hour days except holidays. We had some great parties. Used to cool the drinks with outdated carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers."

Transient Alert and Base Operations Transient Alert operated near the C-pad where the transient aircraft were parked. The C-pad had been expanded by the 557th CES (HR) Red Horse along with Prime Beef in 1969. It was a project that required a massive amount of fill and concrete. The transient alert personnel were from the 3rd EMS. (NOTE: This area encompassed what is now the maintenance shops, quick turn arches and the parking ramp in front of the base operations building.)

The base operations was relocated from its old location up in what is now the arch area to the C-pad area. (NOTE: The base operations building is in the same location though renovated many times over the years.)

(Courtesy Geary Sims )
Click on photo to enlarge

Photo taken in Kunsan in Summer of 1971 in the contingency pad (C-Pad) area by Geary Sims of the Kunsan Microwave Site, Co C, USASTRATCOM LL Bn S. It was shot from the old Air Traffic Control tower located next to the C-pad. Geary wrote, "This SR-71 serial 61-7972 set a world's record. She flew from New York, NY to Farnborough, England in 1 hour and 55 min, averaging 1817 mph. Ten days later she made the return flight from Farnborough to New York and on to Los Angeles. Arrived at Los Angeles after 3 hours and 47 minutes at average speed of 1480 mph. (1st Flight New York to Farnborough on 6 Sept 1974; 2nd Flight Farnborough to LA on 11 Sept 1974)

Supply Systems:

Housing and Infrastructure:

Base Security Vernon Wagner , the Hospital Commanding Officer in 1971 stated, "The SP/OIC lived next door...went to Seoul for the weekend. Returned to find his refrigerator gone. ATC recalled a ROK Army Huey bearing a General's star, land near Base Ops on Sat. The Huey departed after a "large white box" had been loaded! Bottom line, don't piss-off the house mouse." In the 1970s, there were still problems with "slickey boys" (thieves) who had developed thievery into a fine art. Nothing of value was safe if left unattended. However, this situation of an "inside job" would have been very unusual. However, the irony that the stolen item belonged to the head of the Security Police whose job it was to protect the base makes the situation laughable.

He continued, "Had a tragic accident one Sat. afternoon when an SP saw fire near a Wonder Arch, and discovered several locals in black outfits running away. He shot one of them in the back as he ran. Turned out they were high school boys, and the dead kid's dad worked at the NCO Club. They had crawled under the fence, and torched the dry grass as a lark." This incident indicates that the perimeter defense was still full of holes. During the period of the 354th TFW and 6175th ABG, the base was severely undermanned for perimeter defense and security had become a joke. The only effective perimeter defense was the military working dogs which the Koreans feared.

Burt Walker wrote in Mar 2007, "I had spent 13 months, Jan '71 to Feb '72, at Kunsan AB, Korea in the 3rd TFW, during which time there was an incident involving a couple of slicky boys who infiltrated the perimeter, and one on them was shot and killed by an SP who was new to the base. He had called-out "halt" in Korean and and English, fired a warning shot in the air, then shot one of them between the shoulder blades.

"The only trouble was that by that time, the slicky boy was back over the fence and about 40-50 yards out in the rice paddy. That drew a crowd of locals, and then Air Force personnel started to gather, some of whom were brass in blues. The locals at one point started swinging sticks down on the brass. Thank God they didn't kill our guys. The dead guy was left lying out there for three days, and some Koreans in black suits and black hats (Korean CIA?) were out there investigating. I think the SP was charged with first degree murder in order to gain American jurisdiction over him under the SOFA agreement and shipped out of Korea before he could be subjected to one of those infamous Korean jails, at least that was the skinny.

"That was during the time of President Park Chung Hee, and there was a curfew every night. Korea was a much more intense place than Ubon, Thailand, even though there wasn't a "real" war going on. The Army guys in B-Battery stationed with us brought back stories from the DMZ about shooting and killing going on all the time."

"We had many yellow alerts and one red alert while I was there. If a Mig was shot down, the ROKs took credit for it, although they still flew F-86s left over from the 1950s. Russia had given North Korea five Mig-25s, their latest and greatest stuff. Usually, the Migs would fly down to the DMZ and veer-off, then we would fly up to the DMZ and veer-off. Sometimes there would be less veering-off than other times, or so the story goes, and the atmosphere was always tense among the GIs stationed at the Kun."

"The slicky boys weren't boys, and sometimes they would take more than cigarettes or more than the 120-foot cables chopped off an MD-3 in Whiskey area, say munitions right out of the bomb dump or perhaps right off an F-4 on Poppa Row, or so the story goes.

"Kunsan was right on the water, K-8, the "Riveria of Korea". But, the beach was mined, and the water was mined, and every so often the F-86s would scramble and sink a North Korean small fishing boat trying to infiltrate. I think it was over a year after I left Korea, maybe in '73, that a North Korean, unprovoked, took an axe and chopped to pieces one of our GI's who was just standing guard duty in Panmunjon in the DMZ. I never knew until reading your web site that the 8th TFW wound up back in Kunsan where I had faithfully maintained the 435 pieces of powered AGE equipment at night during 10 to 18 hour shifts, six days per week."

3rd TFW Hospital Vernon Wagner wrote, "I was the Hospital C.O. in 1971 when Kunsan was home to the 3rd TFW. I had transferred there from Nha Trang, RVN. Arrived on 12-24-70...brutal weather! Have a bunch of 35mm half-frame slides which I took around the base. Many were taken while flying the F-4D, or the HH-43B rescue helicopter."

Later he wrote, "I had been the FS for the 433rd TFS, of the 8th TFW, at Ubon in '68-'69. At Kunsan, the 3rd TFW had just come up from Udorn, as I recall. Spent all of '70 as the 15th (90th) SOS doc at Nha Trang, RVN. Flew out of RVN on an MC-130E, and terminated at Taipei. Went on into ROK via Southern Air Transport B-727. Nearly froze as I had no cold weather gear." (NOTE: The 3rd TFW was a light attack unit flying primarily F-100 Supersabres from Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam starting in 1965. After the Vietnam War, it became a paper wing without aircraft until it was moved to Kunsan on 15 March 1971.)

Hospital (1969) (Courtesy Ed Mullin)

He stated, "Most of my Kunsan recollections involve medical situations, We "upgraded" the clinic to hospital status during my tenure. Base population was expanding daily, and we were unprepared. Had to house troops in the gym, and had to dump untreated sewerage into the sea. I feared we were at risk for an epidemic." The hospital was in the same location as it was in the Korean War in 1953 under the 3rd Bomb Wing -- and in the same location as it is now. Over the years the term dispensary/clinic and hospital have been bandied about though the facility has always had the capability for wards with beds and operating rooms. Another commentary is that the dumping of raw sewage into the sea persists until the present. Kunsan does not have a waste treatment plant.

Doc Wagner related a medical emergency that happened on base. "Had an NCO drop dead in front to the Enlisted Mess Hall at noon. Couldn't revive him, and found he had died of cardiac tamponade. He had a fungal pericarditis which caused the sac around his heart to fill with fluid until it simply "strangled" his heart. His family began a Congressional investigation...didn't like my diagnosis."

Off-base Conditions Garry R. Smith of the 3rd FMS/AGE wrote, "The town people were great! I took piano lessons in Kunsan. Guess I play with a Korean accent. I was very active with church groups while there. I was authorized to conduct chapel services, though not a chaplain. We did a lot of missions work down town. It was great!! Loved getting some extra time to go to the orphanages."

Vernon Wagner stated, "Kunsan had few paved streets in '71, and a trip to town would jar your fillings loose. On a Sat. nite, an AF bus from Osan was forced off the road, and ended up on its' side in a field...no fatalities, but lots of fractures. I was amazed to discover the emergency exit was located on the side of the bus. That meant the exit was overhead in relation to the casualties. Therefore, only the uninjured were able to climb up & out of the bus. I made it a safety item in my next PACAF Aeromedical Report." There are many accounts of the poor road conditions (dust and ruts in summer and mud in winter) that existed in the 1960s and 1970s contributing to numerous accidents -- mostly losing control and going off the side of the road.

At this time, the only way downtown was the kimchi bus or the BX Taxis which were reported to be gray Ford Falcons. However, off-base there were few attractions besides the low-class bars in the city -- Venus, Romans, and Stork Club -- and the newly erected Okku Silvertown (America-town). The shopping area of Yah-hwa dong had not been developed at the time. A few folks found the recreational area of Eunpa Lake (actually a reservoir) downtown with its floating boat houses.

Restaurants were off-limits as the sanitation standards were wanting. The standard method of using human waste as fertilizer for produce made eating downtown a risky proposition.

Because of the terrible road conditions, the primary method for personal travel over long distances was the train. To head to Seoul, the standard method was to make trek to the Kunsan boat ferry station for a trip to Changhang. A few blocks away was the Changhang train station with its train to Seoul.

Seoul-Kunsan Airline Route According to the Korean Airline history of Kunsan Airport, there was a Seoul-Kunsan airline route that ran from August 1970 - March 1974. However, the Korea Air Line (KAL) jet service to Kunsan actually started in 1968. Ralph Brown said, "If you arrived by Air America you were taxi'ed clear over to the terminal building. When I left Korea, jet service to Seoul was just starting up at Kunsan. They also parked on the south end. No terminal building was built yet."

The old base ops dating back to the Korean War was used until the 554th CES (HR) built the new base operations building on the south side of base around 1975.

During this time, the aircraft passenger compartment window shades were required to be pulled down when the aircraft took off or landed due to Korean National Security law. The route was stopped supposedly due to the cost of oil, but notice that March 1974 was when the 8th TFW arrived to take over the base.

In 1972 an element from the 554th CES (HR) Red Horse from Vietnam and deployed Prime Beef expanded the C-pad parking area with a massive amount of concrete and rock fill. (See Det 1, 554th CES for more details on this unit.) After the expansion of the C-pad area was complete, the jet service used the C-pad area to load and off-load passengers.

It was not until around 1975 that the 554th CES (HR) erected a prefab building and the base ops function was moved to the C-pad. (NOTE: The Korean Air Line service started in 1968, but was discontinued in April 1974 supposedly due to fuel costs. But it is also noted that in April 1974, the 8th TFW took over the base. The air service was reestablished in 1992.)

ROKAF: The headquarters of the ROKAF on base was located just south of the Main Base, north of the taxiway. The 111th TFS was still flying the F-86Fs. Some folks in RAPCON commented that the F-86 student pilots added to their excitement levels on landing approaches. The area was barb wire enclosed and the ramp was still protected by the vintage Quad-50s. The Korean War quonset hangar was still in use but had been repaired from previous years. The ROK enlisted personnel lived in oil-heated quonset huts in the ROKAF area.

The northern portion of the base -- above the USAF BOQ area -- was the ROKAF BOQ and NCO dependent quarters. The ROKAF Motorpool was in the area. The NCO dependent quarters were small hondol (floor-heat) heated houses which surrounded the main two-story training building. Some of these dependent quarters were leftovers from the Occupation forces days -- built as US Army dependent housing in 1947. Today most of these quarters have been torn down or converted to other uses. The ROK single officers were billeted in a two-story building directly across from the ROK Officer's Club. These quarters are still in use today. (For the continuing story of the ROKAF at Kunsan Air Base, go to ROKAF 138th Fighter Group (1953-Present) .)

US-ROK Affairs: On 3 Jan, Richard Nixon told the DoD to "postpone indefinitely" the reduction of forces beyond the 20,000 men reduction by 30 June 1971. The DoD stated no such plans need to be delayed. President Park Chung-hee announced at the same time in Jan his intention to reduce the ROK commitment in Vietnam of the 50,000 men there -- though not immediately. Park called for a "self-reliant defense" based upon lessons from the past. US-ROK issue joint agreement for the modernization of the ROK military and arrangements for the reduction of US forces in Korea. In July $150 million in surplus equipment given to ROK. In fact in 1971, the ROK received assurances that equipment transferred to the troops in Vietnam would remain with the units. This was all part of the scheme that became known as the Nixon Doctrine whereby countries would be responsible for their own defense.

In May 1971, Okinawa returned to Japan though 88 military installations retained. The Okinawan people held a referendum whether to remain under the US or to join Japan.

ROK took over the 18 1/2 mile section of DMZ that US forces had defended since 1953 in the western sector. The only section that the US forces remained in control of was the Joint Security Area (JSA) near Panmunjon. 2d ID withdrew from DMZ in June to Camp Casey that was vacated by the 7th Infantry Division which departed in Feb 1971. 2d DIV Arty units relocated to Camp Stanley and Essayons which had been used by I Corps (Gp).

On 10 Feb, the US announced 54 F-4 Phantoms from the 475th TFW of Misawa, Japan would relocate to the ROK and be redesignated as the 3rd TFW at Kunsan.

Racial tension between blacks and whites became a problem -- as it was throughout America and the military worldwide. On Martin Luther King's birthday, 300 soldiers marched peacefully in Camp Stanley -- but the point was that the blacks felt that they were being denied promotion and equal treatment. Racial incidents increased. In June a riot in Itaewon left 13 injured and area was placed off-limits. Camp Humphreys had a race riot in April. Offbase, Korea had a history of problems between minority soldiers and Koreans in the past. The tensions between black and white servicemen increased, spread through various camp areas in Korea, and exploded on the weekend of July 9, 1971, in the village of Anjongni. The village of Anjong-ni outside Camp Humphreys was placed off-limits after the riot between Americans and ROK citizens. Ironically, 400 bar hostess protested the off-limits as they could not make a living. Anjong-ni was placed back on limits in August.

Violent clashes with students protesting the military training law (ROTC) for students. In Feb riots with 5,000 students occurred in Seoul. After repeated clashes with students, the riot police entered the campuses and arrested over 2,000 students, but only held the leaders who were accused of attempting to overthrow the government. The major riots centered around Seoul National University. Later the government stated it would extend the military training programs to high schools.

Presidential elections on 27 Apr add turmoil to situation. Park's opponent was Congressman Kim Dae-jung. Park won the election by a narrow margin of about a million votes.

NK agents were captured throughout Korea -- some of whom had a mission to disrupt the presidential elections -- and others to assassinate important political figures. Over 130 agents were arrested by the KCIA over the course of the year. Many of the agents centered around Chejudo and Pusan as prime infiltration points. There were many incursions by infiltrators over the DMZ. The KCIA announced the capture of 13-man espionage ring in North Cholla Province in Feb and 11-man ring in April. There was also a sinking of a 70-ton infiltration boat 60 miles south of Seoul, but not before it downed a ROK aircraft.

Nine mile-long subway system for Seoul had its ground breaking in March with expected completion in Mar 74.

• History of the 3rd TFW:
  
• Downsizing in Korea:
  
• Kunsan Airport
  
• Background on Fighter 35th, 36th and 80th Tactical Fighter Squadrons:
  
• 1971
  • 3rd TFW Arrives:
    
  • Nuclear Alert Pad:
    
  • Aircraft Arches, Hangars and Parking ramp:
    
  • Aircraft Maintenance Capability:
    
  • Supply Systems:
    
  • Housing and Infrastructure:
    
• 1972
  • 35th TFS Deploys to Vietnam:
    
  • Deployments to Kunsan:
    
  • Transfer of 18 F-4Ds to RoKAF:
    
• 1973
  • Offbase:
    
• 1974
  • 3rd TFW Leaves for Clark AB and 8th TFW Arrives
    
  • Seoul-Kunsan Airline Route:
    
  • Offbase:
    
  • Silvertown:
    
• U.S. Army Tenant Units:
  • Co C USASTRATCOM Long Lines Battalion South
    
  • B Battery/1st Battalion/44th Air Defense Artillery
    
  • U.S. Army Nike unit at Kimje (Camp Echo Hill)
    
• 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1974-Present)

RETURN TO MAIN TABLE OF CONTENTS

Return to Top

---

For comments or inputs, contact Kalani O'Sullivan .

NOTICE/DISCLAIMER: The content of this page is unofficial and the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of anyone associated with this page or any of those linked from this site. All opinions are those of the writer and are intended for entertainment purposes only. Links to other web pages are provided for convenience and do not, in any way, constitute an endorsement of the linked pages or any commercial or private issues or products presented there. None of this site has been endorsed by the DOD, the Air Force, the 8th Fighter Wing or Mickey Mouse. All Air Force links are publicly accessible through the world-wide web. If there is any discrepancy between eye-witness accounts and OFFICIAL DOD records, this site opts to lend credence to the eye-witness views.

---

Return to Top

19 June 2001 Links Purged: June 5, 2000 HTML Toolbox

---