Transfer of 18 F-4Ds to RoKAF: In 1972, the 3rd TFW was further reduced in strength when they transferred 18 F-4Ds to the ROKAF's 11th TFW. Initially these aircraft were "on loan" from the USAF, but then it became permanent. For a short time, there was a detachment of F-4Ds of the 157th TFS, 11th FW of Taegu assigned to Kunsan AB. The detachment were at Kunsan to facilitate the transfer and accomplish ground training. The F-4Ds departed for Taegu soon after their final transfer. (NOTE: The ROKAF's 111th TFS of Kunsan flew the F-86Ds.)

Herman Aki confirmed this transfer. He wrote, "We did send some acft to the ROKAF can't remember the year."

This was part of a U.S.-RoK arrangement whereby the ROKAF transferred its F-5s to Vietnam with the promise from the U.S. to upgrade the ROKAF fleet to F-4s. (See ROKAF: Transition to F-4D/Es for details.)

According to Service with the Republic of Korea Air Force , "In 1968, the Republic of Korea, having gotten rather nervous about border clashes with North Korea, ordered an initial batch of 18 F-4Ds. This order was filled using aircraft drawn from from existing USAF stocks rather than by new construction. The transfer program was assigned the code name Peace Spectator. The first four F-4Ds arrived in Korea in August of 1969. They were supplied to the 110th TFS of the llth FW based at Taegu."

" In 1972, the RoKAF received 18 more F-4Ds drawn from the USAF's locally-based 3rd TFW. These planes were supplied in return for the Korean government agreeing to transfer 36 Northrop F-5A/Bs to South Vietnam under the Enhance Plus program. The F-4Ds were supplied to the 157st TFS of the 11th FW. These planes were officially only on loan to Korea, but the transfer was eventually made permanent. A few USAF F-4Ds were used by the RoKAF on short-term loan during the 1970s, but six were permanently supplied to the RoKAF in 1982 to make up for attrition, and a further 24 were delivered between December 1987 and April 1988. This last batch were equipped with Pave Spike laser designators. This final batch enabled the ROKAF to bring its two F-4D squadrons back to full strength and to equip a third. Ultimately, at least 70 ex-USAF F-4Ds were transferred to South Korea, the last being delivered in 1988."

The following is a partial list of ROKAF F-4s excerpted from Joe Baugher's site -- which is the ultimate authority on aircraft of any sort.

0978 to Korea in 1972
65-0580/0611 McDonnell F-4D-26-MC Phantom
0582 to Korea in 1972
0589 to Korea in 1972
0591 to Korea in 1972
0592 to Korea in 1972
0605 to Korea in 1972
0610 to Korea in 1972
65-0612/0665 McDonnell F-4D-27-MC Phantom
0620 to Korea in 1972
0622 to Korea in 1972
0623 to Korea in 1972
0630 to Korea in 1972
0640 to Korea in 1972
0650 to Korea in 1972
0663 to Korea in 1973, w/o
65-0666/0770 McDonnell F-4D-28-MC Phantom
0678 to Korea in 1972

554th CES Red Horse

According to 554th RED HORSE Squadron , "In May 1972, 150 personnel were deployed to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, while remaining personnel stayed at Tan Son Nhut, Da Nang, and Cam Ranh Bay..." The deployment of Red Horse personnel meant that heavy construction above the capabilities of the CES Prime Beef was involved. (See Det 1, 554th CES .)

These 554th CES personnel from Vietnam were the predecessors of the group that would become Det 1, 544th CES with headquarters in Osan. According to Robert "Andy" Anderson's History of the Red Horse , "During the summer of 1975 the 554th Red Horse Squadron commenced phasing down in Thailand and started sending building materials, supplies, vehicles, and heavy equipment to Osan AB, South Korea. The last group of Horsemen left Utapao the first part of 1976 and went to Kunsan AB, South Korea where they formed up as Detachment 1, 554CESHR." However, beginning in 1972, the presence of the Red Horse at Kunsan was already being felt.

Prior to this 554th CES deployment, the 557th CES Red Horse had started the construction of the arch area in March 1969 and the laying of the monolithic slabs for construction in the north loop. The 557th CES was at Kunsan from April 1968 to October 1969. (NOTE: The Korean War PSP and concrete parking pads had been previously torn out in 1965-1966 by the 6175th CES.) (See 557th CES for additional info.)

On-base life: Darrel Thomas wrote, "Stationed at Kunsan 1972-1973. 2075 Comm Sq. Had a good time. Also found out how great we have it in the good old U.S.A."

Howard Rogers wrote, "I left the states for Korea on April 24, 1972, (my 21st birthday). I got down to Kunsan the next day or two. I had been stationed at Pope AFB, North Carolina. I was first with the 464th Combat Eng. Support 18 Airborne Corp. and then the 316th. I was in a prime BEEF team there and when I arrived (at Kunsan) I was again assigned to the prime BEEF team "C."

He went on, "Before I left Pope, a fellow Eng. arrived from Kunsan and gave me some names of fellows back in Kunsan. So I wrote them ahead of time and they told me when I got to Kunsan to avoid the in processing and hitch a ride to the Eng. barracks and look them up. I soon found out that the Eng. section I would be in had there own "agenda" outside of the "AF" agenda."

"Anyway, when we landed I hauled down an MP JEEP and they gave me a lift to the barracks. After they got me settled in a day or two later they took me to in-processing, which for some reason took no time at all. I soon learned the ropes and began making many friends. I could go down to the Motor pool and get parts any time for our 2 1/2 ton truck or m-37 3/4 ton truck."

Change of Command: On 5 October 1972, Col Paul A. Kauttu took over from Col. Waltry.

US Developments Sec of Defense testifies that the US has completed its reduction of 20,000 troops, but no further reductions are anticipated in 1973. The US and ROK sign an agreement to legally allow the transfer of technology and data to the ROK for the production of arms, vehicles, munitions, radar, communications and missiles.

President Nixon is elected in a landslide victory over Sen. McGovern.

All operations of the 6170th Combat Support Group ceases operations at Suwon for cost savings.

ROK Developments On 17 Oct 1972, Park Chung-hee suspends the constitution and declares martial law throughout the country. The National Assembly is dissolved and political opposition eliminated. US declares dismay, but military continues normal duties. On 27 Oct, Park presents a 126-article Constitution for a national referendum within a month. It dissolves the National Assembly and provides for the election of the President every six years by a 2, 395 person National Conference for Unification. It consolidates his powers as President. 91.5 percent of the voters approve the new constitution in a high voter turnout.

US repeats that it has no plans to reduce its forces in Korea. US destroyer USS Chavelier transferred to the ROK Navy to beef up their defense. M-16 manufacturing plant construction started in Korea in March and to be completed in December with first M-16s in 1973. The US is leasing a squadron of F-4s from the Philippines for the ROK.

The UN Security Council voted to postpone the "Korea Question" until 1973. The Communist bloc wants to disband the UNC and remove the Americans from the bases in Korea.

1973

Arch area

F-4 taxi

As far as the flightline areas were concerned, no major projects were started. Though contract work on the aircraft arches were done to upgrade the "Wonder Arches," no real substantive changes were made until the 58th CES Det 1 (Red Horse) appeared at Kunsan in 1978. The aircraft parking areas remained substandard.

Pat Potter of Winfield, Kansas wrote in the guestbook in Jul 2004, "Looks like the place has really changed since I was there in July,73 through Aug.74 and then I volunteered to return from January 75-November 76. Served in the 3MMS. Loaded ordinance on F4D. Got out of USAF in 76. Would not recommend my experience there to anyone yet would not take anything for that experience.It would be great to go back to visit the Kun. I'll never forget the day we flew into country arriving at Osan at noontime. I recall vividly looking out the windows of the plane and seeing gun implacements lining both sides of the runway and thinking "Potter what have you gotten yourself into?" I was then a 20 year old kid that hardly ever got out of the state of Kansas, let alone overseas to KOREA! Nevertheless it was a great experience for me. Does anyone else remember having so many F4s crash on three consecutive (Wednesdays?) that the wing commander grounded flying for that particular day for several weeks?"

On-base: From the temporary nature of all structures and lack of substantive airfield improvements, it appears that Air Force planners still viewed Kunsan as merely a "safe harbor" base -- a place for typhoon evacuations. Personnel lived in two story prefab barracks erected in the main base area.

There were also rumors over closing bases and reducing forces in Korea due to the downsizings in PACAF. No one wanted to commit major funds if the base was going to close. (In the states, there was a grass roots movement -- a spinoff of the anti-war movement -- to close the bases in Korea. This culminated in Jimmy Carter's campaign promise in 1977 to greatly reduce troop strength in Korea.)

John U. Miller Sr wrote that he was at Kunsan from 1973-1974. He inquired about his old houseboy, "Pokey." In 2002, "Pokey" (Lee Pok-young) was 58 and drove his own taxi downtown. His two sons were grown and married. He was in good health and sent his good wishes to all. John also remembered "Johnny" Choe (Choe Pyong-Hyan) who was the dormitory manager then -- or as John called him, the "houseboy honcho." Johnny Choe is now 60 and works as the 8th SPS Interpreter with his office next to the Law Enforcement desk. He also is in good health and sends his regards to all who remember him...and said to drop him a line.

Notice from the pics of the barracks that they were the two story prefab structures with latrines at the end. The photos indicate his barracks were in the vicinity of Avenue B.

"Pokey" near the barracks
(Click on photo to enlarge)
(Courtesy John U. Miller)

John was a Law Enforcement Patrol Dog Handler (K-9) and his dog's name was Rex with a tattoo "03M8". Notice from the pic below that the kennels are in the same location as it was 30 years ago on the north end of the base in the ROKAF area.

John and Rex at kennels
(Courtesy John U. Miller)

Kunsan Orphanage visit to kennels
(Courtesy John U. Miller)

Nuclear Alert: The nuclear alert at Kunsan was taken over by the 3rd TFW when it took control of the base. The turn-over was painless as the 35th/36th/80th TFS were transferred to the Det 1 475th TFW -- who pulled the nuclear alerts at Kunsan from 1968-1971 -- for a short time before being assigned to the 3rd TFW. The big change was that the 8-10 aircraft on alert -- 4-5 "hot" aircraft and 4-5 spares -- was reduced in 1971 to 4 aircraft on alert -- 2 "hot" and 2 spares. This reflected the changing policy on nuclear alerts by aircraft.

The nuclear alerts were from from the "Christmas tree" area at the south end of the base. The name "Christmas Tree" comes from the layout pattern of the hardened shelters. The aircraft were prepped in the Whiskey Arch area and then towed down to the Alert Pad to sit on alert with live nukes uploaded. The drill was the same with a "15-minute" launch window.

However, in September 1974 there was a change nuclear alert policy. According to Command in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command (CINCPAC), "Command History for 1974," September 25, 1975, Volume I, pp. 264-265, "On 1 October [1974], a realignment of the PACAF Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP) forces occurred. The 18th TFW [Tactical Fighter Wing] increased its SIOP commitment while the 3rd and 8th TFWs reduced their commitment. The total PACAF commitment remained unchanged. As of that date, the PACAF SIOP Quick Reaction Alert commitment was made up of four F-4Ds from the 8th TFW at Kunsan. The 3rd, 8th, and 18th TFW continued to play a major SIOP non-alert role."

What this meant was that Kunsan AB was no longer tasked with a "hot" alert under the PACAF SIOP. Instead, the base would practice nuclear loads and launches as part of their exercises, but they would no longer have an alert commitment. When the 8th took over the base in October 1974, it had a reduced SIOP tasking with no alerts in the Christmas Tree area. The nuclear weapons would continue to be stored in the Ammo Dump on the south end of base. But as they reduced the nuclear alerts in Korea, the 18th TFW of Kadena increased its nuclear alert taskings.

Offbase: Overall, Kunsan AB continued to be a depressingly "ugly" base. The surrounding area was desperately poor. The Yah-Hwa dong bar-row and shopping area in Kunsan City expanded with the arrival of the 3rd TFW. (Other Korean bar areas were off-limits.) "A-town" (America Town) had just been constructed outside the three-mile exclusionary zone as a bar-row for GIs. Macadam on the roads was still torn up by Koreans to be used as winter fuel and farmers living in mud-wattle houses (choga-jip) were common sights. Sanitation was still primitive.

The base was surrounded by rice fields that still used human waste for fertilizer and the hillsides were denuded of trees -- except for patches of scrub pines. (NOTE: Because of this condition, it was -- and still is -- illegal to cut down a tree in Korea without government permission. It was not until 1975 that Korea started its nationwide reforestation program. The contract awarded to the Chonju Paper Co. (Hansol Paper Co.) has been a resounding success nationwide.)

1974

F4D 66-7723 35th TFS, 3rd TFW at Clark AB 9 Mar 74 (USAF Photo)

It continued, "The Wing deployed six F-4Es to Turkey for Operation Desert Storm in early 1991 where they flew some of that aircraft's last combat sorties. The wing remained at Clark AB, though treaty negotiations with the Philippines broke down, and it was decided to move the 3rd Wing beginning in 1992-93. The Mt Pinatubo eruption in June 1991 changed these plans and forced the wing's hasty relocation to Elmendorf on 19 December 1991.")

On September 16, 1974 the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing "Wolf Pack" moved from Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB), Thailand -- in name only -- to replace the 3rd TFW in Kunsan. The 8th TFW moved without personnel or equipment, absorbing all assets of the 3rd TFW. This included the two flying squadrons, which continued to operate as the 35th and 80th Tactical Fighter Squadrons -- thus reuniting the wing with two of its original squadrons.

For the continuing story of the USAF at Kunsan Air Base, Go to 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1974-Present)

For the continuing story of the ROKAF at Kunsan Air Base, Go to ROKAF 138th Fighter Group (1953-Present)

Offbase in Kunsan: Geary Sims with an Army tenant unit mentioned that Lake Eunpa in Kunsan City at the time had little houseboats big enough for two people that could be rented. This was a popular way for fisherman of the tiny "corvina" fish. Even today people line the shores of Eunpa fishing for this fish. Of course, these little houseboats were also popular with lovers. He also remembers the reservoir off-base (Okku Reservoir) as providing the water for the base -- as it does today.

Silvertown: As a side note, Kenneth Wisz of the Nike unit at Kimje mentioned the bar-row Silvertown (A-town or America town). Silvertown was still relatively "new" being "incorporated" in 1970 -- after they moved the graves that were on the hill. The streets were dug up in places and "paved" in concrete -- if at all. It was the typical Korean GI bar row with crudely built bars with concrete slab floors. "WC" (or Water Closets) was the terminology for "toilets." The surrounding area was still rural with the rice fields fertilized with "night soil" (human waste). The smells were overpowering in summer.

He later wrote, "As I remember it, Silvertown was a walled compound with a joint U.S./Korean guard at the gate. there was a free shuttle bus that ran every half hour from early morning to just before the 11pm curfew. I think the sign over the the gate read - "Welcome to Okku City-Silvertown". One has to remember that in 1974 is was still part of the Park Chung-hee era and there was a martial law in effect. In 1974, a North Korean sympathizer from Japan, in an attempt on the life of President Park Chung-hee at a public gathering, shot and killed Mrs. Park. There was a curfew in effect between 11pm-5am.

He said, "The girls in Silvertown didn't like us too much because we wouldn't pay the big money like the Air Force dudes would." Being a "cheap charlie" is an epithet that is hurled at any GI who knows the score. The newbies were easy to spot in that after a few hours in the bar, they were busted and went home. Only the "cheap charlies" had money left and were still drinking when the bars closed. However, we wrote back that it probably wasn't the money that turned the girls off. It was the fact that they were stationed 40km south of Kunsan and therefore made very poor "yobo" (rented wife) prospects. Every bargirl dreamed of getting a plane ticket to the "land of the big BX." Remember that Korea at the time was still a very poor country in 1974 and marrying a GI was a way out of the nightmare of poverty.

US Developments However, the 13-month tour of duty for US servicemen in Korea was reduced to a 12-month tour. The 13-month tour started in 1957 due to the one-month time for sea travel to get to Korea. Compulsory military service comes to an end in the US with the end of the Selective Service Act of 1948. The Voluntary Army concept begins as of 1 Jul 1973.

Racial violence breaks out in Sept. 60 Army and USAF personnel brawl near Osan AB. Four hospitalized, while 31 injured including 4 Koreans. Korus Magazine published for the first time in 1973. Drug testing became the major issue. Random uranalysis was strengthened with those returning from TDY and leave having to have testing within 24 hours.

The historic ASCOM Depot in Pupyong closed. It was opened in the Occupation Forces days and remained open after the US Forces pulled out in 1949. It was overrun by the Chinese when Seoul fell but reopened after Seoul was retaken during the Korean War. It had remained open ever since.

ROK Developments In 1973, the ROKF-V from Vietnam were returning. During the war over 320,000 troops participated, with 3,700 killed and 8,300 wounded. The ROK forces accounted for 11 times that number inflicted on the enemy. The ROK 9th (White Horse) Division returned in February, while the ROK Capital (Tiger) Division had already returned home. About 37,000 remained in the beginning of the year and returned in March. In March, the US officially ended 8 years of operations in Vietnam.

The ROK modernization program began in 1971 was estimated to cost $1.5 billion over a five-year period. The US maintained about 42,000 men in Korea and had spent approx $5 billion from 1940-1971. The US assured Korea that there would not be any reductions in the current numbers of US troops. Despite cut in foreign aid, the US declares its support. A squadron of F-5Es were to be delivered in 1974. However, former Defense officials testified before Congress that there was no justification for retaining such large numbers in Korea and recommended reductions. By mid 1973, it was apparent that the five-year upgrade program would NOT meet its goals because of the cuts in funding and equipment transfers.

Infiltration by the North continues. In March infiltrators kill ROK guards in an island off Cheju and escape. In April two North infiltrators killed on the DMZ. In May one of two infiltrators killed on the islet of Kumdang on the south coast. In May the KCIA arrest a Japanese couple and male Korean resident of Japan on spy charges. Two of the five-man ring remained at large in Japan. Convicted North Korean spy Kim Chun-bae hanged in Seoul. He had conducted extensive spying in the south for two years before being caught by the ROK ASC. The KCIA announced the breakup of an 11-man spy ring at Seoul's Korea University, including long-time spy Kim Mak-jung. In June the KNP announce the capture of two North Korean spies in a mining area north of Seoul. The ROK ASC announced the arrest of 11 spies who organized four rings in Seoul and Pusan. In Jul the KCIA arrested a North Korean spy from Japan who had operated since 1971. KCIA reports the surrender of an NK agent who had operated for 12 years and had infiltrated the Mindan labor movement in Japan.

Kim Dae-jung kidnapped from Tokyo Hotel on 8 Aug by KCIA. Due to the US intervention of the US Ambassador to Japan and interception at sea, Kim Dae-jung saved. Kim Dae-jung released to his Seoul home in mid August. The KCIA denies its involvement, but it was apparent who pulled the strings on this action.

In October, discord from Seoul National University once again rears its head with anti-government protests. Riot police break up the demonstrations. Protests spread for seven weeks to other universities and colleges who demand reforms to Park's "dictatorial" government. In December, Park orders the release of all students arrested and allows schools to reinstate those who were involved in the protests.

U.S. Army Tenant units:

B Battery/1st Battalion/44th Air Defense Artillery:

Go to 8th TFW: Tenant Units (1975-1994): Hawk Missile Battery (Kunsan): Battery B, 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery (1968-1980)

U.S. Army Nike unit at Kimje (Camp Echo Hill):

• 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)