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...Kunsan Air Base -- How It Was...

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Songtan-Osan AB History

This is the latest addition and a work in progress. Currently researching the development in the Songtan area -- focusing on the relationship between Osan AB and the surrounding community. Chronological history follows the on-base developments, while Songtan history follows off-base developments. Graphic intensive with long load times because of photos.

2005 News Stories about -- or affecting -- Military in Korea:

^{Disclaimer: The views are strictly those of the author and NOT associated with USFK or military in any form.}

NOTE: WE MOVED AWAY FROM KUNSAN IN NOV 2004 TO SONGTAN. WE WILL NO LONGER COVER KUNSAN AB EVENTS.

Kunsan AB Information - Info, maps, slideshows with links to Kunsan City; Transportation; Base (Updated: January 2004) NO LONGER UPDATED
- Reviews of Books on Kunsan AB (Updated: 3 June 2003)
- Reference Sources/Links: -- Links to Pro-USFK/Anti-US sites and online Korean newspaper links. General, Military and USFK links. (Updated: 8 August 2003)
Off-Base Issues: Prostitution and A-Town - Wolf Pack to combat prostitution -- an object lesson in futility -- and on-base rapes increase; A-town Off-limits -- the makings of a scandal; Wolf Pack Sexual Assaults hot DoD special interest item; USFK anti-prostitution campaign; Russians cleared from A-town (Jul 04); Bar owners selling out and A-town is changing (Sep 04); ROK prostitution goes to the internet; ROK anti-prostitution campaign eyewash? (Sep 04); Crackdown causes prostitutes to rally to reopen industry (Oct 04); Sexual Abuse Special Interest Item and still continues in USFK despite publicity campaign (Mar 05); New proposed ruling of tough action under UCMJ in 2005 for solicitation will spell death knell for A-town; Civilians Fight USFK Curfew and win recission for themselves; Bar Owners start to fight back (Feb 05) while USFK tries to strongarm compliance at Osan/Camp Humphries (Feb 05) -- but then USFK Scandal of Osan Kickback to Town Patrol as bar owners blow the whistle (Mar 05) (See TABLE OF CONTENTS) (Updated: Mar 2005)
On-Base Issue: Sexual Assaults - Privacy Issues (2003); Sexual Assaults in Academies start Congressional inquiry; DoD surveys Sexual Assaults in Services (Mar 04); Survey inconclusive but many recommendations (May 04); New policy on reporting sexual assaults (Mar 05) (See TABLE OF CONTENTS) (Updated: Mar 2005)

Military Affairs

Military Affairs (2003) -- USS Carl Vinson arrives in Pusan; Elmendorf F-15s at Osan; Marine FA-18s arrive at Kunsan in May; Low-key buildup; End of May return to normal. (Updated: 3 June 2003)
Military Affairs (2004) -- Seoul Courts Rule Against USFK Land Use; Vehicle Registration Policy Change; Crime Reports on USFK Soldiers; Continuing ROK-US Prosecutions; Bonus to Soldiers for Extension; New Abrams Upgrade; US Alters Land Mine Policy; Rift in Intel sharing between ROK and US; Roh Impeachment and anti-US sentiment; US Rejects ROK Demand for Kooni Range Compensation; ROK CFC Deputy arrested for bribery; Soldiers involved in brawl/stabbing and one sentenced; Robert Kim (spy or patriot?); (Updated: 14 Sep 2004)
Military Affairs (2005) -- USFK Starts to prosecute its Zero-Tolerance Policy on Prostitution/Human Trafficking with howls of outrage over curfew for civilians -- USFK backs off; ROK deletes the North as "main enemy" from Defense White Paper; USFK Crime stats for 2004 show a decline, but so does ROK military crime stats; Dollar drops below 1000 won rate; American view of ROK changes; Kitty Hawk part of scaled back RSOI/FE05; Protest of Chik-do firing range use; (Updated: Feb 2005)
Relocation of USFK Bases (2003) -- In March USF announces it will relocate off the DMZ and south of the Han River; Renegotiations of Restructuring of 50-year old alliance; U.S. to invest $11 billion in Korea defense; Korea forced to increase its Defense spending; Enmeshed and entangled, the ROK drags its feet and attempts to shift the financial burden to the USFK; U.S. playing hardball and negotiations hit major snag in September 2003. 15-17 Jan continuation of meetings on relocation and reduction in forces. The first bases Camp Greaves and Giant to be returned in Nov 2004 under the LPP instead of 2011. (Updated: Dec 2004)
Relocation of USFK Bases (2004) -- 15-17 Jan continuation of meetings on relocation and reduction in forces. The first bases Camp Greaves and Giant to be returned in Nov 2004 under the LPP instead of 2011. 2d Bde 2d ID relocated to Iraq in Aug 2004 -- will have followon to Fort Carson, CO. US firm on 12,000 troop reductions by end of 2005. Move of Yongsan delayed to 2008. Interrelationship of moves to recombine 5AF at Yokota with 13th AF in Guam along with I Corps to Camp Zama and relocate Okinawa Marines to Camp Fuji -- with possible 3d Bde 2d ID (Stryker) relocation after Iraq tour. The never-ending story of the Future of the Alliance (FOTA) continues with negotiation after negotiation -- and the US playing hardball. ROK claims of pushback to 2008 to be resolved at Oct SCM. (Updated: Nov 2004)
- Stryler/LAVIII: Our Opinion -- Details on the Stryker SBCT (3d Bde 2d ID) that will be replacing the 2d ID on the DMZ as part of a global repositioning strategy. Included are short sections on current USFK weapons systems that may augment the Stryker units in Korea after all the smoke has cleared. Stryker headed to Iraq in mid-October; US wants future forces to have a "regional" role; Stryker unit in Iraq in 2003 and blooded in Jan 2004. Stryker with its jerry-rigged LPG protection screens undergo the acid test of combat. Strykers success in Iraq for urban warfare role, but still questions about use in mountainous terrain unanswered. Decision to return the Interim Brigade Combat Team to Korea appears to be still up in the air as of 2004. In 2004, the move was looking towards Japan as basing, but Article 9 of Japanese Peace Constitution an impediment with proposed changes in 2005. Outlook does NOT favor Korea at this time, but it may be only option. In Oct 2004, the ROK decides to recognize that USFK may become regional force and new discussions underway. (Updated: Dec 2004)
- Proposed ROK FY2005 Military Budget -- Is It the Last Straw??? (OPINION) -- ROK Promised Defense Spending increase of 3.2 percent of GDP in 2004, but delivered a 2.8 percent of GDP. ROK Spending has now passed 1997 levels. The US position is that the ROK has the ability to increase its defense spending, but the ROK has not shown the will to do so. ROK "self-reliant" defense is delusional, but the ROK is maintaining the "free-ride" using the US High-tech warfare umbrella. Cursory look at why the ROK "Self-reliant" Defense is delusional. Though stated as reasons for Budget increase, the truth is that the E-X program will be sent out for bids in Nov 2004 and the SAM-X (Patriot) will NEVER be procured as long as President Roh is in office. The ROK is developing weapons programs that offer technology transfer or benefit industrial growth -- not necessarily what is essential to the defense programs. The ROK continues to be a thorn with its refusal to fund the Yongsan move and disputes over land use with the end result possibly being an explosion that destroys the US-ROK Alliance. (Posted: June 2004)
- Dangerous Game the ROK is Playing (OPINION) -- Indepth look at the US Perspective on the evolving US-ROK alliance. Look into the reasons for the ROK "Stall-and-Conquer" Negotiation strategy. Look at the growing American anti-Korean opinion; USFK and Department of Defense strategy; Head-on collision resulting in reduction in forces and pull-out of troops (Posted: June 2004)
Relocation of USFK Bases (2005) -- Security Policy Initiative (SPI) replaces FOTA; Major changes underway in ROK and Japan to shape a REGIONAL force; Roh draws the battlelines by stating OFFICIALLY that the ROK will not allow the USFK to become part of a Regional force; Under the US Global Strategy, this places the ROK and US in a head-on collision course; ROK cost-share still in dispute. (Updated: Weekly)
Military Affairs: North Korean Crisis (2004): -- Equipment changes; Korea-wide Exercises; Force Positioning; Policy changes; North-South military dialogue. (Updated: Dec 2004)
- Food for Thought: The Military Option in North Korea: -- Short comparison of a views on military parity: Korean versus U.S. view. (Posted: 26 April 2003)
- Food for Thought: The Mythical North Korean Threat: -- An article building a case for U.S. withdrawal from Korea. (Posted: 20 June 2003)
Military Affairs: North Korean Crisis (2005): -- North Korea pulls out of six-way talks and admits it has Nuclear Weapons; Sanctions and Isolation of North Korea started; North Korea executes defectors returned by China; Japan readies economic sanctions against North Korea; US targets North under its "democracy" campaign (Updated: Monthly)

Spies, Espionage & Infiltrators: -- Personal Opinion on the Spy Situation in Kunsan. Covers the spy organizations and the abuses by Presidents from Syngman Rhee to Roh Moo-hyun. Covers cases of captured infiltrators and deep-cover spies discovered in recent years to back up conclusions. Robert Kim -- American traitor & ROK hero. (Sources footnoted) Covers history of communism in Cholla Provinces; list of coastal infiltration with methods of infiltration and vehicles used. (Posted: 24 May 2004)

Korea Continues to March to Its Own Drummer -- Korea upgrades its military and seeks technology transfer. However, Korea aims to control its own destiny. Korea now has OFFENSIVE missile capability. Its indigenous-designed fighter-trainer is ready for production and the KDX-II "stealth" destroyer has been launched. German-designed submarines are rolling out of shipyards and KM1A1 Korean Main Battle Tank is being produced in Korea. The next-generation fighter has been selected as the F-15K. Whether unrealistic or not, President Roh is seeking "self-reliance" for South Korea's defense by 2010. Most of the upgrade programs in trouble as the shortage of funds causes the ROK to "go cheap." The SAM-X program was to use "used" PAC-2 Patriots from Germany, but shelved. E-X (AWACS) program sent out for bids AGAIN. The ROK promise to increase spending to 3.2 percent of GDP held off as increase only 2.9 percent of GDP. Korea wants to put satellite up with aid of Russia. (Updated: Aug 2004)

Korean NGO Protests -- Background of Protests; Protests in 2003 and 2004 by month; Indepth Coverage of the Protest Movement -- The Relocation of the USFK/SOFA -- Roh Moo-hyun actions and how it is all intertwined. Conflicts between Pro-US and anti-US elements are ideological and generational in nature. Coverage by month (Updated: 29 Oct 2004)

Background-- Roots of anti-Americanism in 2002; Girls death in June 2002; anti-Americanism explodes in Korea; anti-War movement takes lead
- Subtopics -- Pro-American Demonstrations or really Anti-Sunshine Policy Demonstration? -- Anti-American Protests Waning? NO!!! -- Split in NGO Group Strategies and Shift to Pacifism -- America Responds -- Backlash of Anti-American Demonstrations -- Anti-American and the Generation Gap -- NGO Tactic to Boycott American Goods Backfires -- NGO-Initiated Polls Increasing and USFK Poll in response -- Roh wants to revise SOFA, but U.S. and MOJ Sees No Need -- Danger of Getting What they Want -- Considering the Improbable: What if the U.S. Leaves? -- OUR OPINION (Updated: 3 June 2003)
Jan-Mar 2003 -- Roh takes office and anti-Americanism miraculously silenced; anti-Americanism low-key; warning that US would leave if asked; anti-War lead in anti-Troop deployment to Iraq
- Iraq War & Korean Perspective of Iraq War (Mar-Apr 2003) -- Iraq and Korea DAILY events with emphasis on anti-War -- but in reality a continuation of the anti-American protests of 2002. President Roh tells nation that he is forced to send non-combatant troops to Iraq in order to protect the nation -- i.e., U.S. blackmailed him. Roh then rewrites the text of his speech for English publications. Coverage is a day-by-day chronology of events in Baghdad and Seoul after start of Iraq War. (Updated: 16 April 2003)
Apr-Jun 2003 -- Antiwar Protests over Iraq; Saemangeum protests; Resurgence of anti-Americanism; anti-SOFA demonstration on anniversary of girls deaths; pro-US rallies; Union wages turmoil
Jul-Sep 2003 -- Student attack on Embassy and Yongsan compound; Student breach USFK Range; anti-Americanism resurgence; Puan explodes over nuclear site issue; Protests over ROK troop deployment to Iraq
Oct-Dec 2003 -- Anti-troop deployment protests; Puan protests; SOFA issue with GI traffic hit and run
Jan-Mar 2004 -- Violent anti-Americanism resurgence over anti-Troop deployment; WTO rice protests heat up; Roh impeached
Apr-Jun 2004 -- Backlash of Roh impeachment gives Uri Party majority; Economy sours and protests increase; Pyongtaek protests; Unification movement takes the lead; ROK protests over troop deployment continues after beheading; Candlelight vigils
Jul-Sep 2004 -- Anti-Troop deployment protests; economy still spiralling down; Teacher strike; Roh Presidential Panel stirs up protests over "spies" as investigators; anti-Japanese movement in guise of finding collaborators by Roh; Pyongtaek protests; Sept relatively calm
Oct-Dec 2004 -- Anti-NSL Abolition rally draws 100,000; Illegal Workers ousted as terrorist threat; NSL issue heats up
Jan-Mar 2005 -- Anti-North Protest over Nuclear Weapons; Noise pollution of protests; NGO groups target Kunsan Chik-do range for protests; Spring arrives and protests at Pyongtaek start up;

North Korean Crisis (2003-2004) -- The brinksmanship continues with the KEDO nuclear reactor program in the toilet and the U.S. refusing to direct talks with North Korea. The North withdraws from the nuclear proliferation treaty and restarts its nuclear weapons program. It started up its missile testing program and threatens to test the Taepongdo-2 missile which in turn forced the Japanese to amend their constitution for War Time Contingency Powers. Low-key buildup with the F-117A and USS Carl Vinson ends at end of May 2003. President Roh continued to be rebuffed in South Korea's role in nuclear disarmament, but continues to send financial aid to the north. The South's actions widen the rift between the two allies. Later admits reprocessing about complete. F-117As back in 2004. SARS outbreak places China meeting on hold. DPRK caught smuggling drugs into Australia. DPRK accused of smuggling missile parts from Japan. (Updated: Dec 2004)

North Korean Crisis Background and Reference Materials -- Background on events leading up to Nuclear Crisis; Materials from Selected Sources on Nuclear Crisis; OUR OPINION (Updated: 8 August 2003)
For Your Information: North Korea-US Meeting: -- Special Report on Upcoming North Korea-China-US meeting and U.S./North Korean options with our comments. (Posted: 8 August 2003)

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Japanese Army Advanced Aviation Training Base
(1938-1945)

Occupation Forces: 3d Battalion,
63d Infantry Regiment,
6th Infantry Division

Korean Constabulary (1948-1950)

3rd Bombardment Wing (1951-1954)

8th Bombardment Squadron
(1951-1954)

13th Bombardment Squadron
(1951-1954)

90th Bombardment Squadron
(1951-1954)

474th Fighter Bomber Wing
(1952-1953)

428th Fighter Bomber Squadron
(1952-1953)

429th Fighter Bomber Squadron
(1952-1953)

430th Fighter Bomber Squadron
(1952-1953)

VMF(N)-513
"Flying Nightmares"
(1952-1953)

14th-21st Trans Port Co.
(1951-1955)

808th-809th-841st Engineering Aviation Battalion
(1951-1955)

Marine MCGIS-1 & MACS-1
(1951-1955)

ROKAF Detachment - 38th Fighter Group
(1953-Present)

6170th/6175th Combat Support Group
(1954-1968)

Det 1, 475th TFW
(Jan 68-Mar 71)

354th Tactical Fighter Wing
(1968-1971)

3rd Tactical Fighter Wing
(1971-1974)

8th Fighter Wing
(1974-Present)

35th Fighter Squadron
(1971-Present)

80th Fighter Squadron
(1971-Present)

1-43ADA
Patriot
Echo/Fox Btry
(1994-Present)

To view time period's index, click on the links below.

Kunsan Aerodrome (1938-1945): Japanese - -- Base built as part of tidal flats reclamation project of the Fuji Company in 1932. First developed to support the Manchurian drive. Munitions stockpiled at Kunsan. 2,800' sod runway. Became Advanced Pilot training base. Approximately 600 military assigned with officers billets near Gunsmoke Hill and enlisted area next to hangars on main base.
Camp Hillenmeyer (1945-1949): Occupation Forces - -- 3rd Btn 63rd Inf Rgt assumes control of Camp Kunsan. Massive explosion at bomb dump killing 2 officers and three enlisted in Nov 50. Camp renamed for one of the killed officers -- Camp Hillenmeyer. Covers the operations of Kunsan Harbor as well as Kunsan AB. These were the forgotten people who were without clothing replacement or proper sanitary conditions. Descriptions of an Officer's Tour and a Soldier's Story. Base turned over to the ROK Constabulary in March 1948. In 1950, the base was captured by the invading NKPA. Details of the invasion and subsequent allied breakout in the Cholla area are documented in detail. Kunsan recaptured in Oct 1950.

Korean War Period (1951-1954) - -- Coverage of the building of the runway and establishing the infrastructure for the base through the phase down of the base and departure of the 3rd Bomb Wing for Johnson AB, Japan. 3rd Bomb Wing (L-NI) with the 8th/13th/90th BS, 474th Fighter Bomber Group, Marine Squadron VMF(N)-513, Marine MCGIS-1/MACS-1, 76th/30th AAA, 14th/21st Trans Port Co., 22nd Crash Rescue Boat Squadron, 27th Air Installation Squadron, 808th/809th/841st EAB (SCARWAF), 3rd AIO, 3rd Comm Squadron, and other units at K-8 and Kunsan Harbor.

Caretaker Period (1954-1971) - -- 6170th & 6175th ABG keeps base open as a "contingency" base. By 1959 the base had fallen into a state of disrepair. The first new permanent barracks built between 1961-1963, but the base was primarily Korean War structures until 1969 when Red Horse and Prime Beef teams undertook massive construction projects at Kunsan.
Pueblo Crisis (Jan 1968 - Jul 1968) - -- 475th TFW and 4th TFW deploy to Kunsan. 354th TFW becomes cover group for ANG F-100s. Coverage of the units, on-base living conditions as well as off-base areas.
Nuclear Alert (1958-1974) - -- "Hot" nuclear alerts due to the SIOP tasking started with the 3rd Bomb Group B-57s (1958-1964) and was later assumed up by 39th Air Division F-100s. TDY F-100 units from Misawa and Okinawa also handled the Kunsan alert. Det 1 475th TFW picks up nuclear alert 1968-1971 and hands it off to 3rd TFW in 1971. SIOP downgraded in 1974 when 8th TFW arrives, but nuclear weapons remained at Kunsan until 1992.

3rd Tactical Fighter Wing (Mar 71 - Sep 74) - -- Prefab buildings erected and Arches complete. Set up a full-wing operation at the base, but the wing was a "paper" wing in 1971 with the 35th TFS deployed to Vietnam and the 80th TFS transferring 18 F-4Ds to the ROKAF.

8th Fighter Wing (Sep 74-Present) - -- History of the unit from origins through WWII; Peacetime Japan Occupation duty; Korean War; Back to Japan; Ubon RTAFB. After 1974, chronological history by year up until the present. Current Kunsan AB information. Tenant units: 1982d Comm Sq (1969-1993); Det 1, 554th CES (Red Horse) (1975-1985); Hawk Missile B-Batt/1st/44ADA (1962-1977); Patriot Missile 143ADA/6th Cav (1994-Present) and others.
ROKAF - 38th Fighter Group (Jun 53-Present) - -- Coverage of the ROKAF from origin to present. Coverage of Kunsan AB from the first detachment in 1953 to the F-86F operational squadrons through the current F-5Es.