|
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. 
RETURN TO MAIN TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement: Special thanks to Jack Terwiel, Capt, USAF (Ret) of the Osan Retired Activities Office and Mike Dunnagan (1984). 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 the 36th Fiends site for the use of its materials dealing with the 36th TFS. Thanks to the 51st FW History Office for use of their photos. Special thanks to Ms. Jin Dal-lae of the Jisan-dong Ward Office for taking the time to research and provide historical materials on Songtan and Pyongtaek. Much of the information on Pyongtaek and the Songtan area extracted from the Pyeongtaek 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.
1985Commander, 51st Tactical Fighter Wing, Osan AB: Col. Henry J. Cochran, Aug.12, 1985 -- June 12, 1987 Holding Services in Shin Hung Church. Shin Hung Church is the oldest church in Songtan dating back to 1952. (10 Feb 1985) (Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992))     Songtan: (Top L&R) Railroad tracks looking north (Notice the Shinjang Rail Overpass in distance); (Bottom L&R) Shinjang-2 dong looking east (1985) (Songbuk Elementary School)
 2146 Comm Squadron: Bottom Row : Big O,TSgt Joe Williams, A1C Rick Dean, A1C Raphael Rivera," Mac" Top Row : Mr. Kong, Little O, Amn Kneebone, SSgt Baker (Oct 1985) (Unknown: Wire Dawgs.net Life at Suwon The 6151st CAMS supported the 25th TFS (A-10s) that were assigned to the 51st TFW but were stationed at Suwon. The unit arrived between 1982-83. At the time, the senior NCOs had billets at Suwon, but the lower enlisted folks were billeted at Osan AB commuted with a base shuttle. Charles Harris of Pyeongtaek, Korea wrote in the guestbook in June 2006, "I first came to Korea in January 1985. At that time I was stationed at Suwon Air Base on active duty for the U.S. Air Force. I extended there several times and worked in the Heavy Maintenance Shop as part of the 6151 Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (CAMS). Our jobs included crash recovery, flight control maintenance, wheel and tire shop as well as phase inspections on the A-10 aircraft. I finally left Suwon in April 1989. I should note that while stationed at Suwon AB I lived in Songtan near Namsam Yonlip." (NOTE: Charles returned to Korea as a DOD civilian working for the commissary.) North-South Relations Thaw: The North-South relations started showing signs of thawing again. Working-level delegations met in their third round of the South-North Korean Red Cross meetings. The plenary session of the 10th South-North Korean Red Cross Meeting was held. However, the results turned out to be disappointing as ever.
1986 Songbuk Elementary School (1986) (Songbuk Elementary School) (NOTE: The central speakers platform between bleachers constructed in 1984)
 Main Gate before it got replaced. (1986) (Bill Strouse) Pyeongtaek Developments November 18, 1986: Songtan-si Building was moved from Jungang-dong to 800, Seojeong-dong by Songtan-si Ordinance No. 398 (Promulgated on November 13, 1986) In 1986, Pyeongtaek-eup became Pyeongtaek-shi (city) in Pyeongtaek-gun.  25th TFS Squadron Photo taken on Suwon Flightline (Early 1986) (Courtesy Jeffery G. Scism, Life Support, 1985-86)  Team Spirit Letter Opener Souvenier for Team Spirit 86 (Marvin Metzinger) (NOTE: Marvin Metzinger wrote in Aug 2007, "I got a key chain every TS I flew in except 1988. I don't think they did much that year because of the Olympics (don't remember). In 1986, I was sent TDY to augment the 7th AF (or was it 314 Air Division , don't remember when that changed) for Team Spirit (I was stationed at PACAF the 326AD, Wheeler AFB) and got a letter opener!")  Fuel Tank Explosion (1986)  Fuel Tank Explosion (1986) Fuel Tank Explosion On 5 April 1986, a 40,000 gallon fuel tank exploded killing in the initial blast one USAF NCO and fourteen contractor personnel who were cutting the grass nearby. 12 injured were treated at the Osan clinic, while some burn victims were air evacuated to Yongan Army Garrison hospital by helicopter. Six others were treated and then transferred to Kyonggi General Hospital. Five were treated at Osan, then released. (Source: MIG Alley Flyer, 16 Apr 86) One Korean died later bringing the death toll to 16. Numerous acts of bravery were seen that day in fighting the fire and treating the injured. According to the 51st FW Extract - Jan-Jun 1986 History: A loud explosion rocked Osan and the local community at 1314 hours on 5 April. A 40,000 barrel JP-4 tank (Building 7277) that was approximately 40 percent full exploded causing 15 fatalities and 12 serious injuries. The fire at the fuel tank took place during a fuel transfer operation. The black smoke and orange flames from the explosion and resulting fire were visible for miles around the base. The blaze at the fuel tank had to be fought until 1700 hours, and was not officially determined to be extinguished until 0700 hours the following day. Fire fighters and equipment from Osan, Songtan Si City Fire Department, Suwon, Kunsan, Camp Casey, Camp Market, Camp Red Cloud, Yongsan Army Garrison, Clark AB, Philippines, Yokota AB and Misawa AB, Japan were all involved in fighting the blaze. The 51st FW Disaster Preparedness Division immediately activated the Disaster Response Force and Disaster Preparedness Support team. An on-scene Disaster Control Group was also formed to assist and advise the on-scene commander. Colonel Koz acted as the on-scene commander immediately after the explosion but appointed Colonel William L. Austin, 51st Civil Engineering Squadron commander upon his arrival at the scene. Colonel Koz was the wing commander since Colonel Cochran had departed the base for the PACAF Wing Commander's Conference at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. The 51st Security Police evacuated all buildings endangered by the explosion and established a 2000 foot corridor. The corridor had to be moved several times to compensate for fuel leaking into the draining systems and the associated danger of another explosion taking place.Others were recognized for their acts of bravery. "On 5 April 1986, a 40,000 barrel fuel tank exploded, Airman First Class John A. Loomis distinguished himself by heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Osan AB. While off-duty, Airman Loomis assisted victims of the explosion. Ignoring the intense heat from the raging fire and uncertainty that nearby fuel tanks could possibly explode. He medically triaged and treated five victims, then directed the life saving medical actions of five Marine medics who had also responded; all prior to base hospital personnel arriving on the scene. Following their initial treatment, he assisted with the transfer and loading of the victims onto one of his unit’s helicopters then flew to the hospital in Seoul, Korea, providing vital emergency medical care throughout the entire medical evacuation flight. Airman Loomis was awarded the Airman's Medal for his actions." (Source: www.pjsinnam.com/) Robert Edleston of Manhattan, KS wrote in Jul 2006, "On the tank explosion; the contractors were laying sod above the tank. Our Sgt was in the tank's control room, which hung from the inside of the roof, at the time of the explosion and that is why it took us a week to find him in the bottom of the tank covered in fuel and mud. We had to clean him before sending him to Yongsan for autopsy. The cause of death was drowning when the roof of the tank fell back into the fuel (as it was designed to do). I remember watching it burn and be extinguished time and again from atop hill 180. I was also there when the Koreans processed the contractor's bodies. Sure was a tough year."  Fuel Tank Explosion (1986) The mother of Sgt Enrique Lozano was flown in for the ceremony according to the Stars and Stripes news story. We were later corrected that the mother, wife and two daughters were flown to the ceremony. Sgt Lozano's daughter, Christine Lozano stated in Apr 2007, "I am 21 years old and I never thought to look up the explosion online until now; since it just was my father's anniversery. I was only a baby along with my sister when my father past in the explosion. I couldn't help but notice that it only mentioned that my grandmother being flown out to the ceremony while it was my mother, Elena Lozano, as well as his two daughters, Maria and Christine Lozano, were flown out too. That ceremony experience was truely touching and unbelievable. I only wished my mother was at least mentioned and honored throughout this site since she gave a great speech in dedication to my father along with the others that were killed. Thank you for your time and for this site; it really moved me since I had never seen the actual pictures of the explosion. It hit me hard, but I'm glad I at least got to see them. Thanks again. Christine Lozano" A memorial marker was erected in memorium of the individuals who lost their lives in the tragic accident -- one USAF NCO and 15 Koreans. Sgt Enrique LozanoIn Dec 2006 Robert W. Remel, CMSgt, Ret.of Niceville, FL wrote: "I was the Base Fire Chief at Osan in 1986 when the fuel tank exploded. I also served 2 tours at Kim Hae as the TRCO to a Korean Airlines contract on major Depot maintenance on F4's 1980-1982. Also served 3 tours in Vietnam and Thailand during the war. I loved Osan. Although compared to now, Osan was very different. The old Fire Station is gone 'but the memories are still with me. I enlisted 49 years ago, but it still seems like yesterday. Why anyone would not make the military a career is beyond belief. What a time I had!" RF-4C Crash at Osan (In Research) Frank Schreier stated in Sep 2005, "Two days before I got to Osan in 1986, an RF-4C crashed during a base exercise - the jet crashed right into the huge concrete hangars, killing (I believe) both pilots. One of my friends told me he was less than 50 feet away from the hangar when he saw the plane coming in, spinning like a Frisbee. It happened so fast and he was so shocked with disbelief that all he could do was stand there and watch as it slammed into the back of the hangar and exploded. Luckily, he was standing in front of the hangar." (Source: Lost Nomad, Sep 2005.) Frank wrote in an email in Sep 2005, "It happened 2 days before I arrived here in November of 1986, during a base ORI." Frank went on to state that he observed the parts being "reassembled" in a hangar as part of the accident investigation. (SITE NOTE: We combed the RF-4C tail number listing and did not come up with any tail number crashing at Osan -- but the lists are not infallible. (Source: Joe Baugher Lists: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, .) Robert Edleston of Manhattan, KS wrote in Jul 2006, "I'm not so sure the F-4 wasn't from Osan. If I remember correctly, we had to test our liquid oxygen (LOX) for purity as we did any time there was an aircraft incident, to rule out the possibility of the LOX being the cause. It may have been a guest aircraft just using our LOX after being serviced on base though." (SITE NOTE: It is standard procedure in accident investigations to sample the LOX to accertain whether hypoxia (lack of oxygen) or contaminated LOX were possible contributors. The RF-4C was part of a Detachment of the 18th TFW at Okinawa that was stationed at Osan AB -- though others say it was TDY.) Mike Greene wrote in Sep 2006, "The RF-4C pilot was an academy grad from 1984. (I forgot his name.) He was turning for a sharp break left in the pattern for landing, but was a little too nose down (sideways) and too low power. He attempted to keep it airborne all the way down, skimming the top of tent city, and flew into the side of a bomb-proof aircraft shelter (Tab-V) just behind the personnel door. Two crew chiefs from the 3rd Aircraft Generation Squadron (from Clark AB) were inside the Tab-V at the time, and some 3 TFW officers were outside, standing near their truck. They dove under the truck, while debris scattered around them. The recce was from Kadena, visiting Osan for an exercise." According to Rich Skripek, the aircraft was on final approach when the flameout occurred. He also confirms that there was an RF-4C Det of the 18th TFW stationed at Osan during the time -- though it may have been at Taegu. We believe that the RF-4C was from the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS) from the 18th TFW at Kadena. The 497th TFS ("Hooters") of Taegu AB (K-2) under the 51st TFW was flying F-4Es until deactivation in 1988. The only RF-4Cs in the area was with the 18th TFW at Kadena in 1986. In Apr 2007 Rich Skripek wrote: "I was stationed @ Osan (85-89) during the time the recce crashed. As I remember, there was a 18 TFW Det assigned there that flew the RF4-Cs the entire time I was stationed there. The base was undergoing an Operational Readiness Insp while the 3 TFW was TDY to Osan. I have several friends who were stationed with the 3 TFW who were crewchiefs. There was no one inside the Tab-V when the recce hit it, as they had just left that facility where they were storing the LOX bottles. As I remember the plane began to flameout as it turned for final approach. As it was heading for the Tab-V it flew in an open area between a tent where 3 TFW personnel were working out of and the 19 TASS bldg. It clipped a utility pole about 15 ft off the ground as it crossed over the road before slamming intothe Tab-V. 3 TFW personnel performing hot pit refuels in the flow throughs had plane parts scattered over them. The ORI was stood down for 24-48 hrs (I believe)." (NOTE: It was confirmed that the Det 1, 15th TRS, 18th TFW was a "permanent forward operating location" at Osan AB, located in the "Greenhouse" with their aircraft in the Diamond area.) In Nov 2006 L. Woodall TSgt, Ret of Newport News VA was formerly with the 51st CSG - July 85-Apr 87. He wrote: "Long time. I remember the explosion like it was yesterday. My dorm was 475, on the other side of Security Hill. I was just about to head to the NCO club to cash a check when it happened. A buddy of mine from Basic was in CE and was part of the clean up crew. Told me how bad it was." In Feb 2007 Roger Hill of Marietta, GA wrote: "I was in the 36th TFS in '86-'87 Comm/Nav maintenance on the F-4E's. I have often said working on those jets was the best job I ever had. I was there for the RF-4C crash in '86 - was in the flightline chow hall with Walter Koenig at the time - the jet probably crashed 150 yards from where we were. I also remember the F-4E that slid off the runway and caught fire down in the Phillipines right after Cope Thunder. Frank Scheier and I shared a few beers together in Songtan City and Angeles City - what a great guy! Seeing Frank in the cockpit of the F-4E in one of the pictures on the site brought back some really good memories of working on the flightline. I was really proud to be a part of the 36th - an unforgettable experience and some outstanding people."  7th AF
7th AF Moves to Osan The Seventh Air Force relocated to Osan AB on 8 Sep 1986. The 7th AF assumed the duties of maintaining the fragile armistice on the Korean peninsula that the 314 Air Division was responsible for. Since then, 7 AF, as the US Air Force component to the US and ROK Combined Forces Command's Air Component Command, has been an integral part of deterring aggression from North Korea against the ROK. Headquarters 7th AF consists of approximately 10,000 Air Force personnel located primarily at Osan AB, Kunsan AB, and five other collocated operating bases throughout the Republic of Korea. Air Force personnel fly and maintain the F-16 Falcon and the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt combat aircraft, and perform a myriad of intelligence, logistics, planning, communications, and liaison duties. Although primarily a combat ready command, 7 AF also provides assistance to non-combatants and civilians with the region. Rescue at sea, typhoon evacuations, and medical assistance to the needy are but a few of the instances in which the men and women of the Seventh Air Force have extended an open hand.
 Air Component Command of CFC The commander, Seventh Air Force, is dual-hatted as commander, Combined Air Component Command (CACC). 7th AF, as the US Air Force component to the US and ROK Combined Forces Command's Air Component Command, has been an integral part of deterring aggression from North Korea against the ROK. Air Component Command (ACC) -- part of the US-Republic of Korea (ROK) Combined Forces Command (CFC) -- is the air component of CFC. CFC exercises Combined Delegated Authority over Korean forces responsible for the defense of the Republic of Korea. Should the policy of deterrence fail, CFC would direct combat operations to defeat an enemy attack. These CFC forces are organized into ground, air, naval components and two Major Subordinate Commands, marine and when activated, a special operations command. ACC is responsible for planning and executing the Integrated Tasking Order (ITO). (Source: GlobalSecurity.org) 6903rd ESG Move to KCOIC In 1986, after nearly seven years of planning, the 6903 ESG and other U.S. and Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) intelligence functions moved into the Korean Combat Operations Intelligence Center (KCOIC). Despite several significant problems with the KCOIC construction project, the relocation of 6903 ESG mission assets from Hill 170 to the KCOIC began, as scheduled, on 1 October 1986. By 1 November 1986, all mission equipment and support functions were fully operational, well before the 10 December 1986 IOC date previously planned. (Source: AF Intelligence Service) Family Support Center Opens at Osan Osan Air Base Family Support Center opened in September 1986. It was the most forward deployed Family Support Center in the world. Osan Family Support Flight has a direct wartime mission in executing Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO). (Source: AFPC, Randolph AFB.) In 1986 Ms. Renee Wesley-Case became the Director of the Family Support Center at Osan AB, Korea. Murder in Anjung-ni According to the Pyeongtaek History, on 14 Feb 1986, Michael Way How (?) strangled Chong He (16). Circumstances and outcome of the incident is unknown. However, because it was a serious crime, the Korean National Police would have retained jurisdiction, though the individual would remain in US custody until the final verdict of the Korean courts. (Source: Pyeongtaek City History CD, "Pyeongtaek Si Sa.") Ronald Reagan elected to second term as President -- and USAF Changes and Downsizes JCS General Charles Garbriel and his successor General Larry Welch would engage in some of the most farsighted -- and in many ways most difficult -- planning in Air Force history. They recognized far in advance of others, including other branches of the American armed forces, that the combination of a failing Soviet Union and the inevitable downward revision of military budgets meant that the Air Force would have to be reduced in size. They made a decision to sacrifice force structure for modernization and quality. The success of their efforts are still apparent today. (Source: Beyond the Wild Blue, History of the US Air Force 1947-1997, Walter J. Boyne, p251) The Air Force leadership came up with some hard rules that would be difficult to implement, but were essential to the future:
Another lesson learned from Vietnam was the absolute requirement not to undertake any campaign not backed by the will of the American people. Within the military there were may additional subsets of lessons learned reagarding the requirements for individual weapons, intelligence gathering and air transport of men supplies supported these fundamentals, materializing in the new first-generation weapons systems (F-15, F-16, A-10, B-1B, EF-111A) and Second Generation (F-117A, B-2, C-17A, E-8, F-22A) that were to come -- and the maintenance of old standbys (B-52, F-111, SR-71, U-2, and Minuteman III). (Source: Beyond the Wild Blue, History of the US Air Force 1947-1997, Walter J. Boyne, pp255-256, pp260-261) Korean Conscription In Korea, the military conscription programs continued to be a hot potato. Standby reservists service term was extended from 14 months to 18 months and the enlistment system was improved. However, there were still claims of corruption within the system. The Katusa (Korean Assistance to US Army) who were supposed to be the "best of the best" were thought to be only rich kids by the Americans who worked with them. Complaints in Korea were that the rich were sending their kids America for their education to evade the draft. In addition there were many accusations that the rich were getting medical deferments if their fathers were rich or had political connections. This was all swept under the carpet, but in the 1990s it would explode in everyone's faces as the allegations were true. (SITE NOTE: The problem continued into the 2000s with the wealthy getting their children into "alternative" service (engineering or high tech jobs) for which they were not qualified. The GNP presidential candidate in the 2002 election was falsely accused of having his sons exempted because they were underweight -- weeks before the election and attributed to his defeat. Others simply fled abroad to college where they obtained "green card" resident-status in America and Australia -- and returned to Korea only after they were past the mandatory conscription age of 30. This highly contentious issue continued to plague Korea.) ROK Developments In January 1986, the North suspended all talks, arguing that annual R.O.K.-U.S. military exercises were inconsistent with dialogue. The North resumed its own large-scale exercises in 1987. Ugrade of the ROK military hardware continued. The first launching ceremony of domestically-produced minesweepers happened in August 30, 1986. It should be noted that the letting of the contracts to the Korean shipyards was also in response to the falling orders for ships from the yards. Many were in dire straits financially. There was a continuing decrease in international orders for tankers and the Korean government laid contracts for more military ships. The ultimate goal was to achieve the Korean dream of becoming a "blue water" navy like Japan. The ROKAF formally accepted delivery of its first F-16D in March, becoming the 10th nation to fly the Fighting Falcon and the first outside the Unites States to receive the advanced F-16C/D.  Pyeongtaek Harbor Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminal opens (1 Nov 1986). (Pyeongtaek City) (Source: Pyeongtaek History (CD), Pyeongtaek Si Sa)
1987Commander, 51st Tactical Fighter Wing, Osan AB: Col. John C. Marshall, June 12, 1987 -- June 30, 1989 Holding Services in Shin Hung Church with Rev. Ahn Jang-hyun delivering a sermon. (29 Nov 1987) (Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992))  Rev. Ahn Jang-hyun (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan) Songtan-shi grows as areas incorporated into Seojong-dong January 1, 1987: Goryeom-ri, Yanggam-myeon, Hwaseong-gun was incorporated into Cheongbuk-myeon, and part of Jeokbong-ri, Seotan-myeon, Pyeongtaek-gun was incorporated into Seojeong-dong, Songtan-si respectively by Presidential Decree No. 12007 (Promulgated December 23, 1986) F-4E Accident in PI On 28 Feb 1987 an F-4E tail number 551 skidded off the runway at Clark AB and received extensive damage. It was subsequently repaired and returned to the Fiends. (Source: 36th Fiends History.) Frank Schreier stated, "We were in the Philippines for a 30-day Cope Thunder exercise and on one of the last days, tail number 551 (One of the pics I still have, another can be seen here) slid off the runway. To the joy of various maintenance personnel, a team had to stay behind to help repair the jet." (Source: Lost Nomad: Sep 2005.)  36th TFS F-4E Cope Thunder PI (1987) (Frank Schreier)  36th TFS F-4E Cope Thunder PI (1987) (Frank Schreier)  36th TFS F-4E Cope Thunder PI (1987) (Frank Schreier)  36th TFS F-4E Cope Thunder PI (1987) (Frank Schreier)  Osan A-10 Warthog at Clark AFB, PI (1987) (Frank Schreier)
 Osan OV-10A Bronco at Osan (1987) (Frank Schreier)
North Korea Bombs Korean Airliner: A Korean airliner, a Boeing 707, was bombed by a North Korean agent (Kim Hyun Hee) and crashed over the Andaman Sea. The male accomplice of Kim committed suicide, but Kim was returned to Korea and tried and convicted. Masterminded by the future leader of North Korea, the bombing was to create a scare within the world to keep people from attending the Seoul Olympics to be held the following year. As a footnote, she repented her crime and was released from prison. Kim went on to write a book that made her a millionaire...an ironic end to a ghastly crime. She even applied to go to America with her new found wealth -- but was turned down.
 Songbuk Elementary School (1988) (Songbuk Elementary School) (NOTE: The buildings are now three-story structure. The central speakers platform between bleachers constructed in 1984 and now has a frame for canvas. Picture taken near entrance with statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin.) Education On 10 Oct 1988, the Taegwang High School had 15 normal classes and 15 commerce classes for their students. However, the class sizes were decreasing. By 18 Sep 1990, the Taegwang High School operated 12 normal classes and 12 commerce classes, with 6 classes for completer information management. This reflected the declining family sizes throughout the ROK that impacted all the schools nationwide. A gradual increase in enrollment over the years created a need for additional space. Construction was completed in December 1988 on a two-story addition with 12 classrooms, a cafeteria, specialists’ rooms and storage areas. (Source: Osan American Elementary School) Living on the Economy A Soldier's Tour of Korea tells the tale of a soldier living in Anjung-ni (Camp Humphrys) on the economy. Life at Osan outside the gates was the same. He mentioned that once when landing at Osan, the Koreans were protesting and that Osan Air Base was locked down -- he had to be bussed to Yongsan to be processed back into the country. A lot of cars had been repeatedly recycled from one service person to the next. Some people shipped their personal vehicles over from the states, while some people purchased brand new automobiles through AAFES or new motorcycles from Harley Davidson. Of Osan, he stated: "Around this time, going to Osan was almost as good as going to Yongsan. Osan had everything: the big PX, the big Commissary, the chow hall with wall-to-wall carpeting. Songtan, the town outside the gate, was awesome compared with our little ville. I bought my first pair of contact lenses in Songtan. I didn't handle them properly so they didn't last long, but that was the beginning."  From Main Gate to Burger King (1988) (Unknown)
 Near Burger King (1988) (Unknown)
 Commissary (1988) (Unknown) Of life off-base at Anjung-ni, he stated: Of course it has been a while since I was living in Anjong-ri. Heat in winter and hot water are important. My apartment had a bathroom and bath tub but no hot water. After PT I took a shower in the barracks like everyone else. My apartment came with a medium sized refrigerator. The living room and bedroom were raised slightly so you had to step up from the kitchen. The bedroom was just large enough for a queen size futon on the floor, or a bed if I had one. I purchased a propane tank that lasted about 3 months under normal use. Bought a table top cooking range with four burners. There was already a place for it in the kitchen. A little tube ran from the propane tank outside into the house. When I wanted a bath I use to heat up hot water on the range. This wasted a lot of gas but I had to do it. Seoul Olympics Seoul hosted the Olympics and the attitude of the entire country changed overnight into one of ambassadors of goodwill. Venues were spread throughout the country to accomodate the interests of local governments and promote the tourism industry. In a gesture of goodwill, the Seoul government offered North Korea one of the ping-pong matches because of the late date. North Korea refused and there were worries that it might attempt an act to disrupt the games in retaliation as it had done in 1987 with the bombing of an airliner. A portion of F-4E aircraft at Osan and Taegu and F-16C at Kunsan were placed on alert in event of this eventuality starting around 15 Sep 1988.  36th TFS aircraft escorts TU-16 Badger off the coast of Korea (Oct 1988) ( 36th Fiends site) Just prior to the Olympic Games Russian Badgers started to fly down the coastline of Korea to test the capabilities of the US/ROK Air Forces. The Russian bombers would fly just inside international waters and the ROK and USAF jets would scramble to intercept the bombers. It was not a surveillance flight as the Russian satellite passed over Korea every 45 minutes -- so these flights were simply nuisance flights to test the US and ROK resources dedicated during the Olympic games. (NOTE: The time for a North Korean jet to enter ROK airspace and land at Inchon takes only five minutes -- not really enough time for an alert force to scramble. The F-5Es at Kimpo would just be clearing the ground, when the aircraft lands at Inchon. This actually happened with a North Korean defector pilot in the 1990s.) As a side note, these flights were great photo ops for all of the ROKAF and USAF units to get their picture taken with a TU-16 Badger. Every ROKAF and USAF squadron with F-4s or F-5Es in an air defense role from Seoul to Kunsan had a picture of their aircraft with a Badger hanging in their Ops buildings. 36th TFS Developments
(Source: 36th Fiends History.)
ROK Developments With the beginning of the new democratization process in South Korea from 1987, with a new constitution and president as well as the successful Summer Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988, a new attempt to change the situation was initiated by the South. The democratically elected president of the South, Roh Tae-woo, started to loosen its hard anti-communist policy and initiated a new foreign and security policy called Nordpolitik. South Korea not only normalized its diplomatic relations with communist Eastern bloc countries including the Soviet Union but also improved commercial ties despite strong diplomatic pressures from the North, and it also tried to normalize relations with the North.
 Team Spirit Keychain Souveniers for Team Spirit 87-89 (Marvin Metzinger) (NOTE: Marvin Metzinger wrote in Aug 2007, "I got a key chain every TS I flew in except 1988. I don't think they did much that year because of the Olympics (don't remember). In 1986, I was sent TDY to augment the 7th AF (or was it 314 Air Division , don't remember when that changed) for Team Spirit (I was stationed at PACAF the 326AD, Wheeler AFB) and got a letter opener!")  497th TFS "Hooters" Patch (Marvin Metzinger) Wayne Hoff, SMSgt, USAF (Ret), of Tacoma, Washington was at Taegu from May 84 to Sep 90. He wrote in 2001, "Yes, it was the 497th TFS (Hooters) when we had F4E's. The maintenance outfit was the 6497th CAMS (Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron). Taegu was truly my best assignment in my 20 years. I think there was a total of 700 USAF at K-2. Very small USAF contingent and we were integrated with the ROKAF up to 1988. We shut down in 88 and began transferring our F4-E's to the ROKAF and 3rd TFW at Clark. Once we got everything transferred we were closing equipment accounts, transferring needed items to Osan." Wayne went on, "Then HQ PACAF had a great idea to put RF-4C's at Taegu. So they pumped a lot of money into our facilities, we went out on scrounging missions to Osan, Kimhae, Kunsan and Kwangju to get back some F-4 support equipment. Then they came in and put 24 Rekke's at K-2. We were no longer integrated with the ROKAF and became solely an American outfit. At that time our squadron changed to the 460th Recon. Sqd. and our Maintenance sqd changed to the 460th CAMS. We spun up the Rekke outfit for just over a year, then in late 1989 HQ PACAF again decided we no longer needed RF-4C's. So we shut down again. This time for good." According to Marvin Metzinger, "Maintenance was performed by ROKAF personnel, supervised and augmented by USAF Maintenance troops. That is a whole story by itself, but generally they did a great job of keeping the acft flying." However, Mike Greene wrote in Sep 2006, "The 12 F-4Es were jointly maintained by ROK and USAF personnel at the time. That concept was a disaster, because Korean standards prevailed (according to the agreement) and Korean QA was a dangerous joke. Also, Korean air ops had priority, even when we were suddenly tasked to launch jets to intercept a Soviet. Military politics aside, though, my time in Taegu was incredible. Very friendly folks all around." NOTE: 497th Combat Training Squadron of Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore is the lineal descendant of the "Hooters." Accordng to the site, "Due to the restructuring of the command following the closure of Clark Air Base, the 497th's designation changed to the 497th Fighter Training Squadron. The 497th has a rich combat history since its conception in January of 1942 as the 302nd Bombardment Squadron (light). The name changed to the 497th Fighter Bomber Squadron in 1943 and has since gone through many mission changes. The unit first moved to PACAF in December 1965 as part of the 8th TFW based in Ubon, Thailand and for the next 8 years flew combat sorties throughout Southeast Asia. The 497th was the pioneer unit in flying night missions and developed the tactics used during "Night Owl" interdiction missions. The unit deactivated in 1974 when the 8th TFW moved to Kunsan AB, ROK only to be reactivated four years later at Taegu AB, ROK where the unit stayed until its deactivation and mothballing in 1988. The 497th Fighter Training Squadron was once again reactivated on 31 October 1991 and was redesignated as the 497th Combat Training Squadron on 1 August 1994. The unit has two main work areas in Singapore. Aircraft operations and maintenance support functions are conducted at Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB), while typical base support functions are carried out at the squadron headquarters located in Sembawang. The headquarters staff support offices are located in the headquarters building at the Port of Singapore Authority Sembawang Terminal."  497th TFS "Hooters" (1989) (Marvin Metzinger) (SITE NOTE: When the organization was originally assembled under the 51st CW, the 497th TFS aircraft wore a blue tail cap and "OS" tail code. However, later the aircraft switched to the GU tail code. The "GU" tail code on aircraft stands for Taegu AB. (Source: USAF Markings.))  Last F-4E to leave Taegu (K-2) for Chongju AB (ROKAF) before the 497th TFS closed down (1989) (Marvin Metzinger)  Aircraft lined up for transfer to Chongju AB (1989) (Marvin Metzinger) Korea has received an unspecified number of ex-USAF F-4Es. The US offered 24 surplus F-4Es in 1988 and 30 in 1989, but probably only the latter batch was actually delivered. It is uncertain exactly how many ex-USAF F-4Es are currently flying in Korea. Some Korean F-4Es are equipped to carry the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack laser designator pod. (Source: Baugher Site.) The ROKAF is highly secretive of any military information. Thus past and current information is hard to come by.  15th TRS RF-4C of 15th TRS, 460th TRG Arrives at Taegu (Oct 1989) Det 1, 15th TRS at Osan AB (1968-1989) We are uncertain as to the exact date when the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS), 18th TFW of Kadena AB, Okinawa, began its long-term operations at Osan AB, but most likely it started its operations with its deployment during the Pueblo Crisis. A detachment of the 15th TRS operated at Osan AB from 13 Feb-c. 25 Jul 1968. The 18th TFW deployed at Osan AB, South Korea, following the Pueblo crisis (28 Jan-c. 13 Jun 1968) and maintained air defense alert capability in South Korea until 1978. (Source: AHRA) The continued need for real-time intelligence was probably heightened with the discovery of North Korean infiltration tunnels along the DMZ. We speculate that it became "permanent" Det 1, 15th TRS at Osan when the 51st ABW took over Osan AB in Nov 1971 and the 36th TFS (from the 3rd TFW) took up residence. The 15th TRS detachment flew operational sorties in support of Joint Chief of Staff-directed reconnaissance missions from the "forward deployed" site at Osan. (SITE NOTE: Several USAF senior officer biographies refer to the detachment as a "full-time forward operating location at Osan Air Base, South Korea.") The 15th TRS was attached to the 18th TFW from 15 Mar 1960-19 Apr 1970. It was assigned to the 313AD from 20 Apr 1970-1 May 1978 though it remained attached to the 18th TFW. It was then reassigned to the 18th TFW from 11 Feb 1981-1 Oct 1989. (Source: AHRA) Marvin Metzinger wrote in Aug 2007, "Det 1, 15TRS was at Osan for years, they were there when I arrived in 76. They occupied the west half of the bottom floor of the building 1185, aka 'the Greenhouse'. When you walked into the building, turned right to the Recces and turned left to the 36 TFS. The Recce section was 'secure'. Their entire section was 'by invitation only'. The door was always locked, had a 'peep hole' and buzz-in on a heavy metal door. Whenever the power went out, there was always a SP guard stationed at their door. "The C diamond was divided into four sections, 1,2 3,4. ... Section 2 was closest to the munitions storage area on the west, that was the Recce area. The revetments with the high dirt mounds around them."  Move to Taegu (Oct 89) The 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS) ("Cotton pickers") from the 18th TFW at Kadena was moved to Taegu AB (K-2) on 1 October 1989. It was aligned under the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Group (TRG) which was reactivated on 1 Oct 1989. The 15th TRS was transferred with aircraft, personnel and equipment on 1 Oct 1989. The 15th TRS did not change its designator, but the maintenance squadron changed from the 6497th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (CAMS) (inactivated 30 Sep 89) to the 460th CAMS (activated 1 Oct 89). The 6168th Combat Support Squadron (CSS) (inactivated 1 Oct 89) changed to the 460th CSS (activated 1 Oct 89). Frank Schreier stated in Sep 2005, "...Did you know that in Spring of 1989, the RF-4C squadron was moved down to Taegu? I know, because I was one of the unlucky folks who had to PCS with them." Thus we know that personnel were also being assigned from Osan to Taegu as part of the RF-4C conversion prior to the official October 1989 assignment date of the 15th TRS. The move to Taegu is seen as an attempt to preserve a historic military unit whose combat record spanned WWII - Korea - Vietnam -- and the Cold War such as the Pueblo Crisis. However, high-resolution satellite photography was supplanting the mission of the recces. In addition, the arrival of the high-altitude U-2s of the 5th TRS at Osan AB enabled the recce mission to be flown with relatively low-risk from the SAM threat. In addition, the 1990s was the dawning of the new age of the Unmanned Aerospace Vehicle (UAV). Thus its time at Taegu was short-lived. The 15th TRS operated with 24 RF-4Cs until in late 1989 HQ PACAF decided RF-4C's were no longer needed. The 15th TRS lasted only one year and was inactivated on 1 Oct 1990. The 460th CAMS was inactivated on 15 Oct 1990, while the 460th TRG and 460th CSS were inactivated on 1 Jul 1991.  Example of RF-4C aircraft (2000) (Darren Mottram)  Example of RF-4C camera (2000) (Darren Mottram)  Example of RF-4C side-looking camera (2000) (Darren Mottram) Multiple optical and infrared systems made the RF-4C one of the most versatile reconnaissance aircraft in the world. All of its reconnaissance systems were operated primarily from the rear seat. The optical cameras are used generally for day, low-altitude photography, but also produce high-quality imagery at higher altitudes. These cameras can generate forward-looking and side-looking oblique photography, vertical and mapping photography, and horizon-to-horizon panoramic photography. Wayne Hoff, SMSgt, USAF (Ret), of Tacoma, Washington was at Taegu from May 84 to Sep 90. He wrote in 2001, "Then HQ PACAF had a great idea to put RF-4C's at Taegu. So they pumped a lot of money into our facilities, we went out on scrounging missions to Osan, Kimhae, Kunsan and Kwangju to get back some F-4 support equipment. Then they came in and put 24 Rekke's at K-2. We were no longer integrated with the ROKAF and became solely an American outfit." (NOTE: The 497th TRS "Hooters" F-4Es were integrated with the ROKAF in a training/technical interface role. It departed K-2 in Jan 1989 -- and the 15th TRS took its place at Taegu.) "At that time our squadron changed to the 460th Recon. Sqd. and our Maintenance sqd changed to the 460th CAMS. We spun up the Rekke outfit for just over a year, then in late 1989 HQ PACAF again decided we no longer needed RF-4C's. So we shut down again. This time for good." History: The 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Group of Taegu AB (K2) traced its lineage to the 460th TRW assigned to Ton Son Nhut AB, RSVN in February 1966 and inactivated in August 1971. It was reactivated on 1 Oct 1989 as the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Group (TRG) at Taegu AB, ROK and assumed control of the 15th TRS. The 15th TRS (Tail code: GU/tail color: Black & Yellow) was moved from the 18th TFW at Kadena and relocated to Taegu on 1 Oct 1989. The 460th TRG was deactivated on 1 Oct 1990 along with the 15th TRS. The 15th TRS was reactivated at Hickam AFB, Hawaii on 15 March 1991 and inactivated on 1 June 1994. It was reactivated at Nellis AFB, Nevada, 1 August 1997 with RQ-1A Predator (UAV), a long endurance, medium altitude unmanned aircraft system for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and remains at Nellis until the present. The 15th TRS traces its history back to 1917 flying DH-4 Liberty aircraft.Wayne added, "I was going to stay one more year and run transit alert at Taegu but I let my Maintenance Officer talk me out of it (stupid mistake). So I left in Sep 90. I had it made there. Was Command Sponsored the entire time and lived in base housing across town at Camp George (apartments similar to the ones on Osan, with Taegu American school right across the street from my house, K-12 grades). I really hated to leave Taegu and have often considered going back there some day to finish out my life. Still may someday. If someone came to the 6497th CAMS during my time there, I probably knew them as I ran QC/QA and was on the base CVI Team for 5 years and did countless evaluations. There were only 5 of us in QA so pretty much everybody would meet us eventually. Only folks I didn't run across a lot was our AMMO folks, but there were only 40 of them and I did know quite a few of them. "When we got the Rekke's I became a APG Flight Chief for a short period of time then I was moved up and was the NCOIC of the AMU because I had a lot of "tribal knowledge" and could make things happen and get things done. I was offered the opportunity to go to Taegu when it opened in 78 from Kunsan and turned it down. Looking back, I missed a great opportunity. They wanted to take 2 people from the Phase Docks and I was the first asked to go and I thought it over for a few days and decided to say no (stupid me)." "When the USAF's Korea-based 460th TRG disbanded in late 1990, 12 of their RF-4Cs were turned over to the RoKAF, along with a quantity of AN/ALQ-131 jamming pods. These were given to the 131st TRS of the 39th TRG based at Suwon." (Source: Baugher Site.) The 15th Reconnaissance Squadron is stationed at Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field, NV, and operates the unmanned aerial vehicle called Predator.
Taegu Shuts Down Taegu stopped being an active base in 1989. (SITE NOTE: Transit Alert and reduced levels of air traffic personnel continued as there were contingency plans to use the base to receive forces in case of an outbreak of hostilities with the North.)
 OV-10 Coming out of Osan Hangar (1979) (USAF Photo) 19th TASS moves to Suwon AB The 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) under the 5th Tactical Air Control Group flying the OV-10A Broncos relocated from Osan AB to Suwon AB on 1 Aug 1989. Ultimately, the unit would be relocated back to Osan Air Base under the 51st Fighter Group (later the 51st Operations Group) on 1 Oct 1990, where it was inactivated on 1 October 1993. (Source: AFHRA: 19th WS.)  F-16C #90743 in front of Hardened Aircraft Shelter (HAS) 36th TFS Converts to F-16C/D Received first Block 30 F-16C/Ds in January 1989. On 15 Apr 1989, the F-16C/D conversion complete. On 30 Aug 1989, the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron's hardened operations facility was completed and the squadron occupied its new office and training space, vacating Building 1185. On 2 Nov 1989, the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron conducted a 101 sortie surge. (Source: 36th Fiends History. See General Dynamics F-16 Info for aircraft info.) Baugher Site: F-16 states the first deliveries to the 8th TFW at Kunsan in South Korea took place in September of 1981. The 8th TFW at Kunsan had the 35th and 80th TFS re-equipped with F-16s, which replaced the F-4D Phantom. This marked the first American F-16 base overseas. This modernization program was aimed in part to compensate for US troop drawdowns that had taken place in South Korea during the Carter Administration. The site states that TWO squadrons went to 51st TFW in the "late 1980s." This is because the intial F-16Cs were sent to the 8th TFW. According to the site, the 36th TFS "received first Block 30 F-16C/Ds in January 1989. Received new LANTIRN-equipped F-16C Block 42 aircraft in June 1990. These are equipped with the F100-PW-220 engine. Initial batch of F-16Cs transferred to 8th TFW at Kunsan. In October 1990, became 51st Fighter Wing. Also has a squadron of A-10s and a C-12J squadron." According to F-16 Net: "The PACAF units are mostly equipped with block 40/42 and 50/52 aircraft. These aircraft will be upgraded with the CCIP (Common Configuration Implementation Program) enhancement, just like their stateside counterparts. This modification incorporates a number of systems originally designed for the European MLU program into the existing fleet of USAF Block 40/42/50/52 aircraft. This program started in 1998. The CCIP configuration includes the following systems: Modular Mission Computer, Color Multifunction Display Set, Common Data Entry Electronics Unit, Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), Link 16 Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS), and Low Volume Terminal with TACAN. This modification will allow cost savings through a common type certification and stock savings. This will greatly enhance the fleet's flexibility."  F-16C #7251 Crash (19 Dec 1989) (36th Fiends site) 36th TFS Developments Between 14-23 Mar 1989, Team Spirit '89 held. On 2 Jun 1989, 36th deployed to Cope Thunder 89-7. On 30 Aug 1989, the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron's hardened operations facility was completed and the squadron occupied its new office and training space, vacating Building 1185. On 2 Nov 1989 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron conducted a 101 sortie surge ding. On 19 Dec 1989, F-16C #7251 landed gear up on Osan's runway following an engine flameout due to a trapped fuel situation. (Source: 36th Fiends History.) 25th TFS Relocated to Osan AB The 25th Tactical Fighter Squadon, "Assam Dragons," flying A-10A Thunderbolts reassigned to Osan AB after the closure of Suwon AB as an active USAF base from about 10 Nov 1989 - 31 Jul 1990. The unit was inactivated on 31 Jul 1990. Third U2 deploys to Osan In December 1989, the third U-2 was deployed to Osan AB, Republic of Korea. (Source: AF Intelligence Service) Copyright Infringement and Piracy: During this late 1980s, Korean was on the USTR (U.S. Trade Representative) "Watch List" because Korea was noted for its piracy of copyrights -- and exporting of the manufactured goods under copyright infringement to third world countries. There still was not a GATT treaty or World Trade Organization (WTO) at this time. Asia -- and Korea in particular -- was known as a rip-off capital with the police and other government agencies turning a blind-eye at home and a deaf-ear to international protests. Protectionism in Korea was the law -- and most large US companies were very reluctant to trust Korea's word. However, to the GI shopping for bargains, it was a paradise. Gucchi bag rip-offs and "designer" clothes with fake trademark logos were everywhere. Downtown there were shops that specialized in copying tapes and later CDs. Ripoff copies of $200 computer programs could be had for $5. Though it was against the law to send any of this stuff stateside, a GI stationed in Korea during this period would have to be crazy to not avail himself of these bargains. Regardless of this copyright infringement dispute, the ripoff designs continued to be sold at the Shinjang Shopping mall attracting military shoppers from all over. In response the base Postal Services increased their warnings of the sending of these items would be confiscated, if sent by US Postal services. Miracle of the Han The rapid growth of South Korea's economy in the late 1980s led to significant increases in exports and imports. In the wake of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, South Korea's trade surplus exceeded US$11 billion and foreign exchange revenue had increased sharply. Seoul's trade with communist countries surged in 1988. Trade with Eastern Europe was US$215 million, trade with China almost US$1.8 billion, and trade with the Soviet Union US$204 million. In 1989 total exports grew to US$74.29 billion, and imports totaled US$67.21 billion. South Korea's annual trade exceeded US$100 billion for the first time in 1988, making it the world's tenth largest trading nation. Because this there was a rapid expansion outside of Seoul as the need for factories grew. As a result, in the Pyongtaek area, there was a significant number of factories that were relocated to industrial parks specially constructed for expanding factories. (See 1990: "ROK offers Incentives for Songtan Industrial Complex (Mokgok-dong)") The spin off is that with the increase in factories came an increase in jobs and need for apartments. Thus a construction boom occurred. At first it was small scale in reclaiming rice fields and swampy land near to the major highways for "low-rise structures" (10 story apartment complexes). However , soon large scale apartment complexes were planned throughout the Pyongtaek area.
|
