The US Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) have conducted a mass airdrop resupply training to bolster cooperation in tactical airlift operations.
The drill marked the first time the services have participated in a bilateral five-ship or “Vic” flight formation consisting of three or more aircraft in the Korean Peninsula.
Systems included four C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft assigned to the US Air Force 36th Airlift Squadron (AS) at Yokota Base in Honshu, Japan.
The team flew from the installation to South Korea’s Gimhae Air Base while carrying delivery system suites loaded by American airmen and their counterparts.
The crew discussed planning before the airdrop at Gimhae in partnership with the 7th Air Force and 374th Airlift Wing, both part of the US Pacific Air Forces Command.
Officers from the 607th US Air Support Operations Group assisted in ground control and associated coordination for the identified drop zone.
“The 36th AS conducted this training to build interoperability with the Republic of Korea Air Force and facilitate tactical airdrop training,” 36th AS Theater Engagement Chief Capt. Timothy Kim explained.
“Practicing airdrops and tactical flying — especially in new airspaces and new drop zones — is always valuable training for the 36th AS. It was a great opportunity to interfly with our ROK allies.”
Breaking ‘Barriers’
According to the US Air Force, the Gimhae airdrop served as a continuation of efforts between the American and South Korean militaries to maintain dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
The event followed a similar tactical airlift mission during Operation Christmas Drop last year, during which the 36th AS and ROKAF distributed humanitarian aid to more than 50 locations in Micronesia.
Another teaming was held during Exercise Herk Guardian 2023 where the services completed a tactical combined formation training while in low altitude flight.
Captain Heejoong Kim, a 36th AS C-130J Super Hercules pilot instructor, took the role of deputy mission commander for the Herk Guardian exercise and the Gimhae airdrop training.
He highlighted the improvements observed by both forces in accomplishing mission plans across dispersed locations from the events.
“These trainings prove that we can work together and support each other in times of crisis,” Heejong stated. “The more we train together, the more comfortable we will be working together.
“There are challenges to overcome, from organizational culture to language barriers.“
“These barriers can only be solved by working together and understanding each other better, enabling us to operate and execute missions effectively and efficiently as combined forces through partnership.”