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This page is graphically intense with long load times due to photos. However, the photos and narratives by the men who served at Osan Air Base makes the wait well worthwhile. The opinions expressed are those of the author and in no way represents any official statement of Osan AB or the USAF. 
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Acknowledgement: Special thanks to Jack Terwiel, Capt, USAF (Ret) of the Osan Retired Activities Office for photos of base (past and present) -- Dan Klopten, Robert Furrer, Robert Evilsizor, Ron Freedman, Harry Tezlaf and Ken Shallenbarger. Special thanks to Jackie Turner, 7th AF Historian, and John Okonski, 51st FW Historian, for their assistance with photos and guidance on the history of Osan AB. Thanks to Curly Knepp, Maj, USAF (Ret) for his photos and direction in uncovering the history of the area. Thanks to Don Tomajan for his comments, photos and assistance on the EAB history in 1952-1954. Thanks to Bob Spiwak for his narratives and photos of life at Osan AB in 1953. Special thanks to Mr. Oh Sun-soo, Victoria Hotel, for his information on the early development of Songtan. Special thanks to Mr. Jim Price, AIG Insurance, for his sharing of his experiences during his long residence in Songtan. Special thanks to Mr. Yi Kyong Chu, Kasey Lee's Tailors, for his help and guidance in assembling this history. Thanks to Mr. Kim Sang-do, Electronic Repair Shop, and Mr. Jeong Tae-ho, Young Chon Hotel, for their help in providing information of the early days of the Young Chon Alley area. Thanks to Mr. Son Kwang-chil, Hanyang Kalbi, and Mr. Yi N.K, Korea Hotel, for providing information of the early days of the Milwal-dong area. Special thanks to Ms. Jin Dal-lae and other staff members of the Jisan-dong Ward Office for taking the time to research and provide historical materials on Songtan and Pyongtaek City. Thanks to the Shinjang 1-dong Ward Office for taking time to provide information on the roads in the area. Thanks to the Seojong-dong Ward Office staff and Chief of the ward Office, Choi Yun-su, for their help in providing maps to unravel the confusing boundary issues. Much of the information on Pyongtaek City and the Songtan area was extracted from the Pyeongtaek City History, Pyeongtaek Si Sa. Thanks to the Songbuk Elementary School for permission to use their photos from their private collection.  View of Osan AB (USAF Photo) THIS IS A WORK IN-PROGRESS AND FACTS ARE BEING ADDED/DELETED DURING THIS PROCESS. THIS IS NOT A COMPLETED HISTORY.OSAN AIR BASE (K-55):Japanese Airfield??? In the past there was some discussion about there possibly being a Japanese airstrip from "secondary" and "tertiary" sources. This was probably NOT the case. Most likely the confusion comes from references are made from the notes that during the later part of World War II, the Japanese conscripted 20,000 Korean laborers to build a Naval Logistics Center in the Pyeongtaek area. This was later referred to as being used by the US Army as an airfield near Anjung-ni. This was, in fact, K-6 (Pyongtaek AB) in the Korean War -- which later became Camp Humphreys. In a 1950 map in the Library of Congress, there is no airfield in the area of what is now Osan AB. The villages of Yari and Sin-yari (now long gone) were on the west side of what is now Osan AB next to the Chinwi stream. Along the base of Hill 180 was Chokpong village -- and relocated when the 5th AF moved to Osan. (We believe the residents relocated and formed another Chokpong village on the opposite side of Hill 180.) At the west end of what is now the end of the runway area was the village of Sinjang-ni -- that has given its name to the entire area west of the base (Sinjang 1-dong & Sinjang 2-dong). The Jisan-dong area was a swamp and rice fields.  1950 Map of Kyonggi-do (Library of Congress) There is no indication on any charts that such a Japanese airfield existed in the Songtan area. The maps below are from the December 1948 USAF Pilotage Chart for Kyongsong (380C), scale 1:500,000 with air info current Jan 1951. It shows 2 fields in the vicinity of what is now Osan AB. One is 3 nautical miles SW of P'yongtaek and is labeled P'YONGT'AENG-NI as an emergency field with a 5100 ft. hard surface runway, field elevation of 62 ft. (Map notation: 62 H 51) The other is 2 NM S of Suwon and is labeled SUWON as a military field with a 5200 ft. hard surface runway, field elevation 60 ft. (Map notation: 60 H 52).   1948 USAF Pilotage Chart for Kyongsong (380C) (Click on chart to enlarge) (Courtesy Hans Peterman) Beginnings of Osan AB (K-55) The beginnings of Songtan as a city started with the construction of Osan AB (K-55). The development started with the filling in of the rice fields behind Chicol-ni Village to the left as one exited the gate as well as creation of the shanty-town called "Chong-mun eup" (Front Gate town). The expansion then moved up the base of Milwal-dong and around to the Hill 180 Gate (ROKAF Gate). From here the expansion moved up to the ridge line along MSR-1 until by the 1960s, the Songtan-myeon (district) area was redesignated as a town or Songtan-eup. "The entire area that now encompasses Osan AB included four tiny farming villages near the hillsides, and a large number of rice paddy areas where the runway now lies. The villages clustered at the base of the hillsides were moved to make room for the base. The villages that were removed were: Jeuk Bong-ri, Chang Deung-ri, Shin Ya-ri and Ya-ri." (Source: History of Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Osan Air Base Historical Office, April 1999 and GlobalSecurity.org: Osan AB.) We can account for seven villages (hamlets) -- and have the names for five of them.
How Osan AB (K-55) was named In 1951, all the bases in Korea received a K-designator, with "K" meaning Korea. The number gives you an idea of when it originated. K-55 (Osan-ni Air Base) was near the end of the list with K-56 not completed because of the end of the Korean War. For example, K-1 Pusan-West Air Base and K-2 Taegu Air Base reflected how the allied forces had been pushed into the Pusan Perimeter. K-6 was Pyongtaek Air Field (which later became Camp Humphreys), K-8 was Kunsan Air Base, and K-13 was Suwon Air Base. All of these were Japanese airfields prior to being upgraded for use by jet aircraft. However, the new Osan-ni air field was being built from scratch and therefore its number was much higher. The end of the K-designators became the ROKAF bases K-57 (Kwang'ju Air Base); K-58 (Yecheon Air Base); K-59 (Cheongju Air Base); K-60 (Songmu Air Base); K-75 (Chungwon Air Base); K-76 (Seosan Air Base); K-60 (Songmu Air Base); K-75 (Chungwon Air Base); K-76 (Seosan Air Base). (See Korean War Reference Page for more information of K-bases.)  This map and messages can be found at: The Korean War Project: K-Bases in Korea. As to the name selection of "Osan-ni Air Base", there appears to be no satisfactory answer from both long-time residents and other sources as to how the base got its name. Originally designated "Osan-ni Air Base" (K-55), the base was redesignated as "Osan Air Base" in September 1956. The name "Osan-ni AB" proved to be quite confusing to military personnel and by 1952, it had already slipped to oblivion amongst flying personnel with the base being referred to as "K-55" or "Osan AB." Interestingly, the specifications directive of the 934th Engineering Aviation Group for the construction of the runway in 1951 calls the project the "Osan Air Field runway" -- not "Osan-ni" -- throughout the document. It appears that the name Osan-ni started disappearing even before the runway was completed. Actually, the name "Osan-ni Air Base" was so confusing by 1952, military personnel were already referring to the base as "Osan Air Base." It took until 1956 to change all the paperwork. However, even till today, many Americans are confused by Osan City not being in close proximity to the base -- and many mistakenly follow the road maps to Osan City before realizing that Osan AB is NOT in that area. (NOTE: Koreans in the Songtan area do NOT use "Osan" to refer to the base as a matter of pride as "Osan" refers to the next city down the road. Instead the air base (piyanggi) is referred to "K-55" from the "K" base designator system used in the Korean War. Even the bus from Pyeongtaek to Songtan that follows the old MSR-1 route (Main Supply Route 1) paralleling the Kyongbu railroad. It continues to use the designation of "K-55" for the Osan AB area. Even today if you go to the Shinjang-1 dong House Office, the area map on the wall shows "K-55" -- NOT "Osan AB." Most traffic signs refer to "AFOC" (Air Force Operations Command" (AFOC Gate), "K-55" or "Piyangi" (Air Base in Hangul (Korean). There is only one sign we have seen on Route 1 at the Doolittle Gate (Back Gate) intersection that says "Osan Air Base" and only one sign on Shinjang Road that says "Main Gate.")The term "Osan Air Base" was not only confusing to Americans, it was also confusing to Koreans as well. A story related by Mr. Chong Kyu-sok told of how as a ROKAF airman he was ordered to Osan AB in 1958. He boarded a train and got off at Osan-ni. Arriving late at night, he asked where the base was. They pointed to the bright lights in the distance where search lights were lighting the sky. Not realizing the distance, he started walking and soon realized that it was not as near as the lights seemed to indicate. This experience was not only himself, but with most ROKAF personnel ordered to report to Osan-ni Air Base. Instead of getting off the train at the nearby Seojong-ni Train Station (1km down the road), most got off the train at the Osan-ni Train Station (8km away). (Source: Verbal conversation Kalani O'Sullivan and Mr. Chong Kyu-sok, 21 July 2005.) The base was not named for any of the villages on the site. Supposedly, the first base commander named the base "Osan-ni," because it was the only village shown in this region on military maps. We do NOT accept this explanation as military maps clearly showed "Seojong-ni" (Sojang) and its train station. According to the Osan Air Base Historical Office, April 1999, "The base was not named for any of the villages on the site. The first base commander named the base Osan, as it was the only village shown in this region on military maps and because it was easy to pronounce. The word "Osan" means Crow Hill. The four villages that were moved to make room for the base were Jeuk-Bong-Ri, Chang-Deung-ri, Shin-Ya-Ri and Ya-Ri. A large ginkgo tree that was in the Village Square of one of these villages still stands on a hill in the present golf course site." (Source: Brief History of Osan AB. This version is parroted in many histories of Osan AB.)
On 1 Aug 2005, a Japanese news report in the Daily Yomiuri stated that a new US Army command to be set up at Camp Zama in Japan would assume charge in an emergency on the Korean Peninsula. The command, a "UEX" under new acronymic US forces nomenclature, is smaller than the Washington-based Army First Corps command initially considered for the move to the camp in Kanagawa Prefecture, and combines the functions of a division and army corps. The daily said direct command of the UEX would be limited to an emergency on the Korean Peninsula, while the PRC-Taiwan "hot zone" and conflicts in Southeast Asia included in the "arc of instability" would come under the command of the Third Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa. However, in any Korean emergency US Marine units in Okinawa would come under the operational command of the UEX. (NOTE: This Camp Zama move has been in the works for two years and assumes the role of the Combined Forces Command leadership role in the ROK -- and more significantly, though unstated, the elimination of the USFK role in CFC at Yongsan.)Though the US and ROK routinely announce the soundness of the US-ROK alliance, most experts agree that the US-ROK relationship is at a crossroads. After the 1991 SOFA Agreement, the ROK has been hounded to increase (1) its defense spending to 3.2 percent of GDP -- as most front-line "flash-point" nations of the world spend up to 6 percent of GDP. (NOTE: The percentage of GDP for defense has actually decreased steadily from 8 percent at the start of Kim Dae-jung administration down to under 2.8 percent of GDP under the Roh Moo-hyun administration.); and (2) increase is "share" of costs for housing US troops in Korea -- such as Japan which pays for 75 percent of costs. Construction of new housing for personnel at Camp Humphreys is proceeding but the USFK claims it is NOT for the move but pre-approved construction. New construction at Osan AB is also proceeding in an area WITHIN the base perimeter. Areas at K-6 designated for USFK use has resulted in violent demonstrations in July 2005 with more expected in the future. The antagonistic viewpoint of the existence of Osan AB is also evidenced in the local area. In the 1990s, the ROK reserved land for the use of the elements that were to be relocated from Yongsan under a MOA signed and ratified in 1990. Unfortunately the ROK dragged its feet as it refused to come up with monies to facilitate the move. In 2000, Pyeongtaek City requested the lands that had lain fallow at Osan AB be transferred to the city. This spurred the transfer of the lands by the ROK Ministry of Defense to the ROKAF and the building of the AFOC (Air Force Operations Command) on its location. Osan AB currently occupies 1,661 acres plus 88 acres for an Alpha site 2 miles from the base. (Source: Osan AB: Conservation) "When MOH Recipient and Bayonet Charge hero Millett visited (four times during my tenures in Korea), the discussions were long and painful. Local, and amateur, historians were adamant that the Chinese never reached Osan AB (that far south) and based their discussions on Army Morning Reports. They had me convinced until I saw Millett's drawings in his Korean War notebook that showed a large ginko tree in the center of the town where he took enemy gunfire. The historian in me took several of us to the Kyonggi-Do Mayor's Office and then to several "authorities" who all stated that only one ginko tree survived the Korea War and it was in the center of the town of - whatever that village with the long name was - and that led credence to Millett's claim of the Hill 180 location. That, and his drawings, which matched the Osan AB Hill to a "T" - so I ended the debate."Thus we know the Ginko tree talked about above was in the center of ENHENG JENGUI -- and since the Ginko tree is on the golf course, we know that Enheng Jengui was located where the present golf-course is. As we know that 5th AF relocated to the golf course area, Enheng Jengui is just another name for one of the villages we had already accounted for in photos displayed on this site. Thus for this alleged Army regiment to be "housed" on the base, it would have to moved into the Osan AB area AFTER the Fourth Chinese Campaign (April 1951) and when the Chinese were pushed back over the Kansas and Wyoming bulge in June 1951. This leaves a window of from Jun 51 (when the Chinese were pushed back to the Wyoming line) to about Nov 51 -- when the 839th EAB arrived to construct the base the first base road to haul the heavy equipment needed to start construction. Though actual heavy construction didn't start until Jun 1952, elements under the 417th EAG were in place. So who were these Army troops??? It was standard procedure to rotate troops to the rear after a period of heavy action on the front lines. Though it is possible that Army troops were relocated to the rear in the local area for rest, normally they would be sent to "established" bases -- NOT an undeveloped waste land. It would have been VERY unusual -- with Suwon or Pyeongtaek (K-6) available. If there was a unit before 1952, it most certainly was NOT a regiment. An Army regiment in the Korean War consisted of 2000-3000 men. For this amount of men to be "housed" at the base would require a significant amount of space for tents and messing facilities. There is NO indication that there ever was such an occupancy. When the 839th EAB arrived their first priority was constructing their living area in what would become the base theater/Tumuri Lodge area. (Source: Don Tomajan article on EAB and photo by Robert Evilsizor.) In addition, in 1953 the Graves and Registration were still recovering American bodies from Task Force Smith -- which would have been done previously if an Army Regiment had been in the area between 1951-52. (Source: Ron Freedman narrative) The reference to an Army REGIMENT simply does NOT make sense. We believe that the reference to an Army REGIMENT in fact refers to the 839th Engineering Aviation BATTALION of about 1000 men -- Company A, B, C; HQ Company; and Support unit. They were SCARWAF -- Special Category Army with Air Force. The SCARWAF units were originally stateside Army reserve units, but when they arrived in Korea they became a strange mix of both Army and USAF heavy construction specialists (though a minority) working together. It was the forerunner of the USAF famous "Red Horse" units (CESHR). Though it is true that the USAF's 18th FBW officially took over the base in Dec 52, it was really already an Air Force base once the 839th EAB started in to work. We believe that somewhere along the line some facts became confused about the Army SCARWAF presence at Osan AB (K-55). Initially there was an Army colonel in charge of the EAB mission, but he was replaced with USAF Col Robert Millberry as Director of Installations in 1952. This has been a common mistake dealing with the SCARWAF as not many people understood its operations.
 51st FW51st Fighter WingThe 51st Fighter Wing, headquartered at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, is the most forward deployed wing in the world, providing combat ready forces for close air support, air strike control, counter air, interdiction, theater airlift, and communications in the defense of the Republic of Korea. The wing executes military operations to beddown, maintain and employ follow-on forces for the combined arms base that includes three major flying tenants and large multiservice fighting units. The wing accomplishes this mission by:
The 51st Operations Group leads and manages the 51st FW's flying operations, tasked with air strike control, interdiction, counterair, close air support, air rescue and operational airlift missions. The group provides supervision for two fighter squadrons, a rescue flight, an airlift flight, two range squadrons and the operations support squadron. The 36th Fighter Squadron performs air interdiction, close air support, and counter-air missions with LANTIRN (low altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night) equipped F-16C/D model fighters. The 25th Fighter Squadron uses A/OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs to conduct day and night flying operations on air strike control, close air support, interdiction and combat search and rescue missions. The 33rd Rescue Squadron hosts HH-60G helicopters, providing combat rescue coverage and medical evacuations in support of 7th Air Force. The 55th Airlift Flight flies two C-12s to perform short-notice airlift of high priority passengers and cargo throughout the Pacific Theater. The 51st Range Squadron in Koon-Ni manages the only controlled, fully scoreable U.S. Air Force air-to-ground weapons gunnery range in Korea, while Detachment 1 of the 51st Range Squadron in Pil Sung provides electronic warfare training for Air Force, Army, Navy/Marines and Republic of Korea aircrews. The 51st Operations Support Squadron is responsible for training, weapons and tactics, intelligence, plans, airfield management, weather observation and air traffic control for the entire 51st Operations Group. The 51st Mission Support Group provides wartime readiness, survivability and ground base defense for Osan through civil engineer, security forces, air base operability, explosive ordnance disposal, communications, recreation and services, and personnel assets. The 51st MSG develops and enforces policies providing mission support to more than 10,000 people at 122 units. The 51st Medical Group provides combat medicine at a moments notice. The 51st MDG provides medical and dental care to the wing community and its geographically separated units. Its unique hospital, the first of its kind in the world, contains more than 92,000 square feet and is capable of sustained operation in a chemical environment. Its 30-bed peacetime capacity accommodates 245 patients in its wartime configuration. The 51st Maintenance Group is responsible for a myriad of logistics concerns. The 51st Maintenance Squadron provides intermediate maintenance for 28 LANTIRN F-16s, 21 A/OA-10s, an HH-60 and five MH-53 helicopters, as well as tenant U-2S aircraft. The squadron also maintains 636 pieces of Aerospace Ground Equipment and repair/calibrate 6,537 items of precision measurement equipment. The 51st FW was activated on Aug. 18, 1948. Though not involved as a wing in World War II operations, the wing was granted "temporary bestowal" of the honors achieved by its predecessor, the 51st Pursuit Group. Following the 1948 activation, the 51st provided air defense of the Ryukyus Islands during the U.S. occupation of Japan and Okinawa. During the Korean War, the 51st FW moved operations to Kimpo Air Base on Sept. 22, 1950. By Dec. 10, 1950, the bulk of the wing was forced to retreat back to Itazuke AB and Tsuiki AB, Japan. Missions were flown from Japan; planes landed at Taegu AB to refuel, rearm and fly another mission before returning to Japan. The 51st moved to Suwon AB, Republic of Korea, Oct. 1, 1951, but left rear echelon maintenance facilities at Tsuiki AB. During the Korean War, the wing's crews flew combat air patrol, air interdiction, bomber escort and reconnaissance missions in support of United Nations ground forces. The world's first all-jet air combat was fought between 51st pilots in their F-80s and North Korean MiGs. Capt. Joseph M. McConnell Jr., with 16 MiG kills, became the Air Force's leading ace of the conflict. His aircraft is on display near Doolittle Gate. During the Vietnam Conflict, crews of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing provided air defense of Naha AB, Okinawa, with F-102s. During the 1968 Pueblo crisis, the wing deployed 12 of its 33 aircraft to Suwon AB. On May 31, 1971, the 51st FIW was inactivated, but for only five months; on Nov. 1, 1971, the wing was redesignated the 51st Air Base Wing and activated at Osan. The 51st FW's aircrews have flown a variety of aircraft, including the F-80 Shooting Star, F-82 Twin Mustang, F-86 Sabrejet, F-94 Starfire, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-4E Phantom, F-106 Delta Dart, OV-10 Bronco, A-10 and OA-10 Thunderbolt II and several versions of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 51st was redesignated several times over the next two decades: 51st Composite Wing (Tactical), Sept. 31, 1974; 51st Tactical Fighter Wing, June 1, 1982; and 51st Wing, Feb. 7, 1992. A final redesignation of the 51st FW brought it full circle on Oct. 1, 1992, as part of the Air Force-wide plan to preserve the lineage and heritage of its most prestigious units as the force reduced in size. (Current as of April 2003) (Source: Osan AB.) OSAN GEOGRAPHICALLY SEPARATED UNITS: (Source: Installation Guide.)
OSAN AB: OTHER UNITS51st Communications Group At Osan, the 51st Communications Group supports base communications for the 51st Fighter Wing, and command and control communications for 7th Air Force and the Air Component Command. Group personnel gain valuable experience supporting critical warfighting systems for the air operations center under the 7th AF commander in his roles as the Combined Air Component commander and Area Air Defense commander. The 7th AF AOC is an inplace command and control center for all aerospace operations within the Korean theater. Communications support includes providing infrastructure and data systems for disseminating the daily integrated tasking order; radio and data circuits for managing the Common Tactical Picture; Global Command and Control System administration for managing the Common Operational Picture; Defense Red Switch Network maintenance for secure voice capabilities; tactical switch maintenance for secure data and voice connectivity; and secure video teleconferencing systems strategic warplanning for U.S. and Korean leaders.One of the most important capabilities delivered by the 51st is the sensor-to-shooter information link for command and control of warfighting assets, which results in the Common Tactical Picture. Systems that support the sensor-to-shooter information link include tactical satellite, ultra-high frequency and high frequency radios, and point-to-point tactical data circuits that connect multi-service platforms operating throughout the theater. The 621st Air Control Squadron manages the Common Tactical Picture and forwards this information to the Common Operational Picture, which is viewed through the Global Command and Control System- Korea. Comm group personnel maintain the voice and data systems by which 621st ACS manages tactical digital information links to create the Common Tactical Picture. TADILs use inputs from radars aboard multiple joint warfighting platforms to provide near real-time information to conduct tactical operations, ensuring the Air Forceís ability to fly, fight and win. A recent accomplishment of the 51st in support of the sensor-to-shooter information link was a high frequency TADIL A link. Due to the increased range provided by HF radio systems, this TADIL A link allows the 7th AF AOC to bring U.S. Navy assets in the waters around the Korean peninsula into the air and ground tactical picture. In addition, this new capability allows AWACS aircraft launching from Kadena AB, Okinawa, to receive the tactical picture long before reaching the theater, preparing them to control air operations and deliver air power more effectively and expeditiously. This accomplishment is a noteworthy success story because an HF TADIL A capability had eluded radio technicians for some time due to the difficulty in using the AN/URC-119(V) HF radio system for data communications. Even after installing the TADIL A modification to the URC-119, radio technicians could not achieve the required signal quality to pass TADIL A data through the URC-119 successfully. Therefore, 621st ACS and 51st CG coordinated to obtain a technical solution for an alternate radio system that would pass data traffic more effectively. In the end, 621st ACS acquired a Sunair 9000-series radio system that 51st CG personnel installed and configured to use an omni-directional antenna. The key advantage of the Sunair 9000-series radio system is the independent side band capability, which is not available with the URC- 119. This new radio system has proven very successful after extensive testing with several joint players and has delivered a robust extended-range TADIL A link capability for tip-of-the-spear operations in defense of freedom for the Republic of Korea. The 51st Communications Groupís personnel continue striving to improve communications systems that support the sensor-toshooter information link to ensure that the 7th AF AOC can synergize and exploit all aerospace weapon systems and deliver timely, accurate and devastating effects. (Source: AFCA May 2001 by Capt Sean Keene) 303rd Intel Squadron The 303rd IS, popularly known as "Skivvy Nine," has one of the most challenging and exciting missions in the air intelligence world. The unit was originally formed as a detachment of the 1st Radio Squadron Mobile at Johnson Air Base, Japan, on Nov. 20, 1950. The unit was readied for immediate deployment to Korea in response to the invasion of the South Korea by North Korean forces. Following several redesignations during the Korean War, the unit was finally designated as a detachment of the 15th RSM and moved to Osan in April 1953. In Nov. 1954, however, it again became Det. 1 of the 1st RSM. In May 1955, when the 15th was redesignated the 6922nd, the detachment at Osan became Det. 1 of the 6922nd. In Oct. 1958 it became the 6929th RSM and was assigned to the 6902nd Special Communications Group. In Dec. 1958 it was transferred back to the 6922nd. In July 1963 it became the 6929th Security Squadron and in April 1970 it was designated Det. 1, Pacific Security Region. In May 1970 it gained squadron status as the 6903rd Security Squadron. The unit was designated a Group in 1981 and remained as such until 1993 when it was designated the 303rd IS, under the 692nd Intelligence Group, the 67th Intelligence Wing, and the Air Intelligence Agency. Over the years, many people have contributed to Skivvy Nine's "can-do" reputation. In 1951 the unit won its first Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Korean Streamer Award. Since then the unit has garnered more than 10 AFOUAs. In 1974 the 6903rd SS was presented the Freedom Through Vigilance award as security service's top unit. In 1979 the unit won the coveted Travis Trophy, an annual award presented to the most outstanding U.S. Cryptologic Agency of the Defense Department, and received honorable mention for the same award in 1994. The unit was the Air Force nominee for the Travis Trophy again in 1996. The 303rd IS won the Large Unit Air Force Outstanding Maintenance award in 1982. In 1994 and 1996, Skivvy Nine won the U.S. Air Force Top Ground-Based Cryptologic Unit award. (Source: USAFSS Units: Note #6) ROK Air Force Operations Command (AFOC) Osan Air Base is also home to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Operations Command (AFOC). The ROKAF occupies an additional significant area within Osan AB, and recently expanded into land that had originally been purchased to accommodate the relocation of forces from Yongsan Army Garrison. When that move was cancelled, the ROKAF acquired the land. The new AFOC headquarters is located in the expansion area. (Source: RAO: Osan History.) The Air Force Operations Command was formerly the "Combat Air Command" (CAC) that was headquartered at Osan. The old CAC at Osan was located in a small, two-story building and the move to the spacious AFOC building in 2003 was a welcome move. It has nine flight wings and one training wing. It controls aircraft that included twenty-two Sqs of ground attack fighters/interceptors, twenty-three counterinsurgency aircraft in one Sq, twenty reconnaissance aircraft in one Sq, and fifteen search-and-rescue helicopters in one Sq. All of these aircraft were produced in the United States, with the exception of sixty-eight Northrop F-5E/Fs that were coproduced with Korean Air. As of 1990 the 294 Northrop F-5s and 36 General Dynamics F16C /Ds were the primary ground attack aircraft. Approximately 130 McDonnell Douglas F-4s were deployed as of 1990 for air defense but were equally useful in ground attack. All three types of aircraft were capable of being used in either role, depending on their armament. (Source: GlobalSecurity.org.) The ROKAF will be adding the F-15K shortly to its inventory and has received the first in Sep 2005.  AOC (2002) (Jack Terwiel)  AOC (2002) (Jack Terwiel)
The major problem with the CFC is that the US has all the intelligence -- which at times it is reluctant to share with its ROK counterparts in peacetime. However, the working relationships at the lower levels appear to be cordial, but in recent years there has been some strain in the sharing of intelligence information between the allies. The 37th Tactical Intelligence Group is the ROKAF counterpart of the USAF's 303rd Air Intelligence Squadron in support of 7th AF at Osan AB. The 37th TIG supports the AFOC with air intelligence garnered through the shared information sources.
"When I was a director of TACC (Theatre of Air Control Center) at OSAN Air Base, which was operated by both the ROK Air Force Operation Command and the US 7th Air Force Command, one of my primary responsibilities along with my US counter partner included 24-hour observation and reaction against all enemy activities displayed on LSD (Large Scale Display).In the AFOC (Air Force Operations Center) in Osan, the Air Force refers to the "ITO" (Integrated Tasking Order) as the "ITS" ("integrated tasking suggestion"). It is a list of assets with missions assigned against the best targets intelligence collectors can produce that meet the CINC's guidance. The 3rd Battlefield Coordination Detachment (BCD) operations branch links the intelligence, the attack asset and the CINC's guidance together for timely attack. The 3rd BCD at Osan is the only combined BCD in the Army (ROK-US under the CFC). (Source: GlobalSecurity.org: 3rd Battlefield Coordination Detachment (BCD) - Korea and Global Security.org: BCD Mission) Korean Air Simulation Center The establishment of the Korean Air Simulation Center at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea made air and space power modeling and simulation a permanent fixture on the Korean peninsula. It serves as a valuable resource to the Korean Combined Forces Command, the US Air Force and Defense Department. The KASC uses modeling and simulation technology to enable an array of computer and software tools to create graphically represented, synthetic environments for training and mission planning that challenge decision makers while testing strategy, plans and doctrine. The KASC specifically focuses on air and space power modeling and simulation and is one of two centers outside the United States. In the past, the modeling and simulation tools that were used during Ulchi Focus Lens had to be flown in from the United States, set up, and tested -- an expensive, several-week ordeal. Following the exercise, the reverse would occur. Now that the sophisticated modeling and simulation tools are in place year-round, the time and resources available for training have increased dramatically. The center's powerful modeling and simulation tools provide benefits to the combined forces commander, air component commander, and down through the squadron level. The models allow for practicing the execution of air and space tasking orders for missions, whether strike, reconnaissance, inter-theater airlift, logistics, unmanned aerial vehicles or maintenance. The models and simulations allow the same people who are doing their jobs in wartime to walk through the decision making process -- in exactly the same manner they would if hostilities were to occur. (Source: GlobalSecurity.org: Osan.) ROKAF Air Defense Artillery Command In 1990, the ROK Army transferred the operations of the Hawk and Nike-Zeus missiles to the ROKAF -- transferred to them from the departing US Air Defense forces -- and formed the ROKAF Air Defense Artillery Command (ADAC). In Jul 1991 the ROK Army ADA infantries formally transferred the ADA responsibility to the ROKAF. (Source: ROKAF.) There is little information at this time except that there are three brigades under the ROKAF ADAC (with the 2d ADA Brigade identified and two unspecified). Each brigade consists of one Nike-Zeus and two Hawk units under each brigade. (Source: GlobalSecurity.org) The Nike-Zeus units are 1960s vintage weaponry that should have been replaced many years ago. Tests of their reliability in recent years have shown that they are patently worthless. Supposedly the ROK is attempting to procure used PAC-2 Patriot missiles from Germany to support its air defense -- but the ROK keeps trying to buy cheap and renegotiate the price. The ROK's seriousness in procuring the PAC-2 is in question as long as the US supports Korea's defense with PAC-3 Patriots at Kunsan, Kwangju and Osan-Suwon. At Osan, the ROKAF also maintains the Vulcan 20mm cannons at the end of the runway. 3rd Space Surveillance Squadron Detachment 1 (Osan, Korea) RF Surveillance Site at Osan 3rd Space Surveillance Squadron: The 2nd Command and Control Squadron (2CACS), housed at Schriever AFB, is the command and control node for the passive radio frequency (RF) sensors, which includes the 3rd Space Surveillance Squadron Detachment 1 (Osan, Korea). The Osan site is used for the tracking of low altitude space objects. The Osan Passive Radio Frequency (RF) space surveillance site tracks satellites using RF signal emmisions to compute angle of arrival observations. This site provides coverage of near-earth satellites utilizing the Low Altitude Space Surveillance (LASS) system. (Source: Space Command: Osan.)
303rd IS We are confused as to the many units that are shown simultaneously operating at Osan. At this time, we believe that these overlapping units may actually be the same units with the 136th CSS becoming the 32d CSS in 1953.
Note #10 The origins of the unit were TDY groups from the Japanese Unit. There were two deployments both were handled as TDY missions from Nagoya. The first mission was in late 1950. It was located at Seoul and it was quickly withdrawn during the Chinese offensive in the latter part of that year. They got out with the clothes on their backs. The unit lost its equipment and all members of the team lost their personal belongings. The second mission began in the later part of 1951 and it was located in the Ewha College area of Seoul. The unit moved to K-55 (Osan-ri) in 1955. (Source: USAFSS Units: Note 10) (SITE NOTE: The first unit we feel is the unit Det that fell back to Osan-ni before Suwon was captured and provided the only telecommunications link to Japan in June 1950.)(2). 15th RSM, Ashiya, JPN (July 1951 to 8 May 1955) many detachments operating in Korea. (It would later be redesignated as the 6922 RSM.)
(3). They also show a Det B Wakkanai JPN (1953 to 1954) with Det 1 Osan AB KOR (Nov 1954 to May 1955). After the Korean War, there was a mix of units at Osan -- but these may again be the same unit with redesignations.
The 303rd IS, popularly known as "Skivvy Nine," has one of the most challenging and exciting missions in the air intelligence world. The unit was originally formed as a detachment of the 1st Radio Squadron Mobile at Johnson Air Base, Japan, on Nov. 20, 1950. The unit was readied for immediate deployment to Korea in response to the invasion of the South Korea by North Korean forces. Following several redesignations during the Korean War, the unit was finally designated as a detachment of the 15th RSM and moved to Osan in April 1953. In Nov. 1954, however, it again became Det. 1 of the 1st RSM. In May 1955, when the 15th was redesignated the 6922nd, the detachment at Osan became Det. 1 of the 6922nd. |
