• Off-Base Issues: Prostitution and A-Town - Wolf Pack to combat prostitution -- an object lesson in futility -- and on-base rapes increase; A-town Off-limits -- the makings of a scandal (Updated: January 2004)
  

• Military Affairs (2003) -- USS Carl Vinson arrives in Pusan; Elmendorf F-15s at Osan; Marine FA-18s arrive at Kunsan in May; Low-key buildup; End of May return to normal. (Updated: 3 June 2003)
• Military Affairs (2004) -- Seoul Courts Rule Against USFK Land Use; Vehicle Registration Policy Change; Crime Reports on USFK Soldiers; Continuing ROK-US Prosecutions; Bonus to Soldiers for Extension (Updated: 14 January 2004)
  
  
• Relocation of USFK Bases (2003) -- In March USF announces it will relocate off the DMZ and south of the Han River; Renegotiations of Restructuring of 50-year old alliance; U.S. to invest $11 billion in Korea defense; Korea forced to increase its Defense spending; Enmeshed and entangled, the ROK drags its feet and attempts to shift the financial burden to the USFK; U.S. playing hardball and negotiations hit major snag in September 2003. 15-17 Jan continuation of meetings on relocation and reduction in forces. The first bases Camp Greaves and Giant to be returned in Nov 2004 under the LPP instead of 2011. (Updated: 31 Dec 2003)
  
  
  • Stryler/LAVIII: Our Opinion -- Details on the Stryker SBCT (3d Bde 2d ID) that will be replacing the 2d ID on the DMZ as part of a global repositioning strategy. Included are short sections on current USFK weapons systems that may augment the Stryker units in Korea after all the smoke has cleared. Stryker headed to Iraq in mid-October; US wants future forces to have a "regional" role; Stryker unit in Iraq in 2003 and blooded in Jan 2004. Stryker with its jerry-rigged LPG protection screens undergo the acid test of combat. Strykers success in Iraq for urban warfare role, but still questions about use in mountainous terrain unanswered. Decision to return the Interim Brigade Combat Team to Korea appears to be still up in the air as of 2004. (Updated: Jan 2004)
  
  
  
• Relocation of USFK Bases (2004) -- 15-17 Jan continuation of meetings on relocation and reduction in forces. The first bases Camp Greaves and Giant to be returned in Nov 2004 under the LPP instead of 2011. (Updated: Weekly)
  
  
  • Proposed ROK FY2005 Military Budget -- Is It the Last Straw??? (OPINION) -- ROK Promised Defense Spending increase of 3.2 percent of GDP in 2004, but delivered a 2.8 percent of GDP. ROK Spending has now passed 1997 levels. The US position is that the ROK has the ability to increase its defense spending, but the ROK has not shown the will to do so. ROK "self-reliant" defense is delusional, but the ROK is maintaining the "free-ride" using the US High-tech warfare umbrella. Cursory look at why the ROK "Self-reliant" Defense is delusional. Though stated as reasons for Budget increase, the truth is that the E-X program will be sent out for bids in Nov 2004 and the SAM-X (Patriot) will NEVER be procured as long as President Roh is in office. The ROK is developing weapons programs that offer technology transfer or benefit industrial growth -- not necessarily what is essential to the defense programs. The ROK continues to be a thorn with its refusal to fund the Yongsan move and disputes over land use with the end result possibly being an explosion that destroys the US-ROK Alliance. (Posted: June 2004)
    
  • Dangerous Game the ROK is Playing (OPINION) -- Indepth look at the US Perspective on the evolving US-ROK alliance. Look into the r reasons for the ROK "Stall-and-Conquer" Negotiation strategy. Look at the growing American anti-Korean opinion; USFK and Department of Defense strategy; Head-on collision resulting in reduction in forces and pull-out of troops (Posted: June 2004)
    
    
• Korea Continues to March to Its Own Drummer -- Korea upgrades its military and seeks technology transfer. However, Korea aims to control its own destiny. Korea now has OFFENSIVE missile capability. Its indigenous-designed fighter-trainer is ready for production and the KDX-II "stealth" destroyer has been launched. German-designed submarines are rolling out of shipyards and KM1A1 Korean Main Battle Tank is being produced in Korea. The next-generation fighter has been selected as the F-15K. Whether unrealistic or not, President Roh is seeking "self-reliance" for South Korea's defense by 2010. (Updated: 4 Sept 2003)
  
  
• Military Affairst: North Korean Crisis: -- Equipment changes; Korea-wide Exercises; Force Positioning; Policy changes; North-South military dialogue. (Updated: Monthly)
  
  
  • Food for Thought: The Military Option in North Korea: -- Short comparison of a views on military parity: Korean versus U.S. view. (Posted: 26 April 2003)
    
  • Food for Thought: The Mythical North Korean Threat: -- An article building a case for U.S. withdrawal from Korea. (Posted: 20 June 2003)
  
  
  
• Spies, Espionage & Infiltrators: -- Personal Opinion on the Spy Situation in Kunsan. Covers the spy organizations and the abuses by Presidents from Syngman Rhee to Roh Moo-hyun. Covers cases of captured infiltrators and deep-cover spies discovered in recent years to back up conclusions. (Sources footnoted) Covers history of communism in Cholla Provinces; list of coastal infiltration with methods of infiltration and vehicles used. (Posted: 24 May 2004)
  

• Reviews of Books on Kunsan AB (Updated: 3 June 2003)
  
• Reference Sources/Links: -- Links to Pro-USFK/Anti-US sites and online Korean newspaper links. General, Military and USFK links. (Updated: 8 August 2003)

• Background
  
  • Subtopics -- Pro-American Demonstrations or really Anti-Sunshine Policy Demonstration? -- Anti-American Protests Waning? NO!!! -- Split in NGO Group Strategies and Shift to Pacifism -- America Responds -- Backlash of Anti-American Demonstrations -- Anti-American and the Generation Gap -- NGO Tactic to Boycott American Goods Backfires -- NGO-Initiated Polls Increasing and USFK Poll in response -- Roh wants to revise SOFA, but U.S. and MOJ Sees No Need -- Danger of Getting What they Want -- Considering the Improbable: What if the U.S. Leaves? -- OUR OPINION (Updated: 3 June 2003)
• Jan-Mar 2003
  
  • Iraq War & Korean Perspective of Iraq War (Mar-Apr 2003) -- Iraq and Korea DAILY events with emphasis on anti-War -- but in reality a continuation of the anti-American protests of 2002. President Roh tells nation that he is forced to send non-combatant troops to Iraq in order to protect the nation -- i.e., U.S. blackmailed him. Roh then rewrites the text of his speech for English publications. Coverage is a day-by-day chronology of events in Baghdad and Seoul. (Updated: 16 April 2003)
    
• Apr-Jun 2003
  
• Jul-Sep 2003
  
• Oct-Dec 2003
  
• Jan-Mar 2004
  
• Apr-Jun 2004
  

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

• Reformist Policy:
• Lack of Coordination within Government:
• Alienates Career Bureaucrats:
• Continuing Education Problems over NEIS:
• Attacks on the "Gangster" Press:
• Environmental Policy and Saemangeum Project:
• Nuclear Waste Dump Protest:
• Farmers Problems, Opening of the Rice Market and Surplus Rice:
• Chaebol and Business Reforms:
• Korea Under Attack for Dumping and Govt Subsidies:
• Korean Outlook Dims as Companies Leave Korea:
• Privatization Plans Put on a Hold:
• Financial Reform Turns into a Quagmire:
• Conciliatory Position to Union Strikes:
• 40-hour Work Week:
• Political Scandals:
• Political Harassment from GNP:
• Split-up of MDP:
• Autonomy: An Old Answer to New Problems -- Pass the Buck!:
• NIS and National Security Law:
• Exiled North Korean supporter, Song Du-yul, Returns:
• Peace and Prosperity Policy:
• Trusted U.S. Supporter during Iraq War?:
• NGO groups anti-Americanism and Opposition demonstrations:
• Roh Questions Removal of USFK:
• ROK-US Summit (May 14) Impacts:
• Can a Leopard Change its Spots?:
• Resurgence of Anti-Americanism:
• Resurgence of Anti-Japanese Protests:
• Radical Students Protest Roh:
• Roh's Falling Popularity starts in Third Month in Office:
• End of 2003: Roh's Leadership Vacuum:
• Roh Impeached: March 2004

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For info on Kunsan City be sure to visit, Kunsan City: NOW! . The page is filled with information and photos of the ever-expanding city.

Kunsan City at Night

Kunsan City Skyline

Kunsan City Downtown

Escort Seoul Map
(Click on Map to Enlarge)

The transportation patterns of Korea has changed dramatically within the past few years. The traditional transportation to Seoul was ferry to Changhang and then the train to Iksan and then Seoul. Nowadays, very few use this route but rather use the express bus or simply drive as the roads are becoming better and better -- though still more dangerous when compared to U.S. standards. But in 1999, the Gunsan-Sochon link of the West Coast Highway (Haeseon) was complete and in 2001, the entire stretch was opened. It is possible to get to Inchon in three hours -- compared to four by the Honam Expressway route. My brother-in-law drove me from the Inchon Airport to Kunsan in three hours -- but he's a heck of a better driver than me. It takes me about two and a half hours to the first toll gate in Seoul. A humonguous time saver. However, I still get bogged down in Seoul traffic.

If going by bus, it is now possible to make reservations over the internet. The same is true for tickets on the trains.

• Flight Arrival Information -- Getting to Kunsan
• Life in Korea: Trains -- Information on the train lines.
• Seoul Subway Map
• Honamson Bldg, Seoul Express Terminal: Seoul-Kunsan schedule
• Life in Korea: Buses -- Information on the bus lines. Gunsan Intercity Station (Intercity Bus) 614-2 Gyeongam-dong , Gunsan (063) 442-3747; Gunsan Terminal (Kosok Bus) 217-45 Gyeongam-dong, Gunsan (063) 445-3824
• Kunsan AB-Osan AB Bus schedule: -- Yongsan/Osan connections.
• Wolfpack Wheels schedule: Kunsan-Osan
• Tour 2 Korea: Kunsan Airport -- cost/time to various locations via bus/taxi
• Tour 2 Korea: Gunsan Ferry Information

The photos are from SMSgt Christopher Shroyer's Photo Album on Webshots . SMSgt Shroyer, "Soup", was the Superintendent of the Information Systems Flight, 8th Communications Squadron in 2002. His photos provide an excellent tour of the base and its facilities.

Aerial View of Kunsan Air Base (Courtesy MSgt John Jones ) (Click on photo to enlarge)

Aerial View of Kunsan Air Base (Courtesy Kunsan Airfield Manager) (Click on photo to enlarge)

Photos of Kunsan AB: (top left) Okku Reservoir (top right) Departing Kunsan AB (bottom): Kunsan Outer Port Courtesy Tony Cruz, Major, USAR (Click on photo to enlarge) Kunsan AB map (1998) . KUNSAN AB BASE MAP AAFES Facilities : 1. Main Store (BX) On-line Shopping 2. Barber Shop (Moved to Seabreeze) 3. Beauty Shop (Moved to Seabreeze) 4. Bicycle Shop 5. Cafeteria (1004) 6. Concession Arcade 7. Food Court (1004) 8. Garage/Filling Station 9. AT&T Internet Surf Shop 10. Laundry Cleaning 11. Taxi Maintenance Garage 12. MCSS Military Car Sales 13. Photo Shop 14. Theater Theater Schedule 15. Taxi Service Non AAFES : a. Billeting b. Yellow Sea Bowling Center c. Chapel d. Community Support Center e. O'Malley's Dining Hall f. Seabreeze Mini-Mart g. Gym - Swimming Pool h. Hospital i. Post Office j. MPF k. West Winds Golf Course Club House -- Oriental Garden l. Falcon Rec. Center -- Loring Club Current Kunsan AB Map Kunsan City and Kunsan Airport (Click on map to enlarge) Click on icon to link to info Wolf Pack Webpage -- current Kunsan AB Info. -- Unfortunately Kunsan AB -- like all military installations worldwide -- are now behind a firewall. There is some basic info for newcomers on the main page but all organizations are behind the firewall. Wolf Pack Warrior -- Base Newspaper. -- Previous editions used to be in both .pdf (Adobe Reader) and .gif files. However, now the editions are strictly .pdf (Adobe Reader) files with slightly longer load times because you load the entire edition. Information from newspaper very basic as most day-to-day information is transmitted via the cable TV channels for on-base users. New format is much more "readable" than the older versions. Kunsan information (Air Force Crossroads) . This is a first-stop information source for relocation or other family-oriented questions. Kunsan AB Wolf Pack Community Standards . These attachments answer a multitude of day-to-day operational type questions from the wear of the uniform to having a mascot to the release of information. Kunsan information (Armed Forces Com) . Best information source of Kunsan AB -- better than the Official Kunsan AB source. Though information dated (1998), it is still very informative and should answer most questions a newcomer might have. (Don't agree fully with the history of the base from the 8th FW/HO "official" history, but the other information is excellent.) Overseas Gouge at Baseops.net . An interesting comment on the RON facilities at Kunsan AB. It stated, "Kunsan, South Korea - Front Motel - I wouldn't want anyone to even think about staying here, so I won't give you the number. First of all, don't RON at Kunsan unless you absolutely have to. If you're faced with having to RON here, then lie, cheat, steal, just do whatever you can to get out of there. As of Aug 01, most of the visitor's quarters on base are occupied with permanent party, so you will be off base. Most of the hotels are in the city of Kunsan, which is about 10 miles from base. We stayed at the Front Motel, which SUCKED! I should've clued into the red lights illuminating the hallways. The clue light for me came on when I entered the hot, small room and saw a condom machine at the head of the bed and pubes in the sink. Thank God I had a small can of Lysol, which I used to disinfect the bed and bathroom. For those of you who like hair dryers, there's a coin operated hair dryer on the dresser. My room didn't have a coin-operated vibrating bed, but I'm sure I could get one if I asked. Problem was, NOBODY speaks English here. I hope this will be the low point of all my billeting experiences. Personally I've seen better TA and servicing at civilian FBO's back in the States. EVERYTHING is geared towards the fighters so expect to do everything yourself, hands down the WORST transient support I've ever seen for a heavy. When you arrive you can try to call command post or AMCC but they never answered our radio calls (this was the case the whole week, even after we talked to them on the phone). Try to get the frequency for the SOF in the tower and they can make things happen. If you get to land on the first approach you're lucky since they will usually break you out for the fighters. Heavy aircraft will shutdown the runway if you land on 36 because you have to back taxi to park. Basically the only taxiway for heavies is Bravo due to taxi restrictions on the parallel. Security Forces and Customs met us at the plane and then everyone left before we could ask for a lift to Base Ops. Our crew chiefs asked TA about fleet servicing and they replied, "What's fleet service?" In order to check NOTAMs at Base Ops you normally have to kick one of the people off their computer. Overall the biggest hassle was Trans. Make sure you call ahead for a U-drive if you can. They were more than happy to drive us around but that wasn't the hassle. If you are lucky to get a U-drive, someone has to take a 45-question driving test and then they have to take you off- base for a short orientation (not cool at 1 am). If you land late and need food your only option is the Community Center (open 24 hours and booze is available). There is also the local AAFES (Taco Bell, Robin Hood, etc) fast-food place called the "Jet Stream” which closes at 10 pm. There is a curfew off base (midnight) so grab booze and food before you leave the base; the BX is next to the "Jet Stream". Billeting is scarce so make sure you call ahead for reservations since you will most likely be off-base. We were put up at the Kunsan Tourist hotel, which is in downtown Kunsan. We were impressed that they had a bellhop and rooms were decent however the restaurant upstairs is not that great. If you need Won you can get it at the front desk and not get screwed on the exchanged rate. There are a number of restaurants and bars with walking distance of the hotel but good luck finding an English menu. There is an area not to far from the base called "A-town" which caters to Americans. It is nothing more than a few streets with restaurants and bars. At the entrance, there is a guy who will change dollars into Won; it’s the first place on the right when you get to the top of the hill. For awesome Korean food, across from the guy who does Won-exchange is a place called “Cherry Boys.” Ten bucks will get you some of the best bulgogi (Korean barbeque with rice) you’ve ever had and a beer. (SITE NOTE: The Baseops.net color code for red = Bates Motel.) Additional Information: 8th Fighter Wing Fact Sheet Official History of Kunsan AB The following extracted from GlobalSecurity.org: Kunsan . Kunsan Air Base 35°55'N, 126°37'E Kunsan Air Base is located on the shores of the Yellow Sea, on South Korea’s west coast, some eight miles from Kunsan City. The city has about 280,000 residents. It’s some 150 miles southwest of the country's capital, Seoul. And it's only about a 15-minute jet flight from North Korea. Kunsan AB is often referred to as the last of the "warrior bases". As an unaccompanied remote tour, servicemen and women spend a quick 12 months at the "tip of the spear", fulfilling the wing's mission, "To deliver lethal airpower when and where directed by the Air Component Commander". Kunsan AB, located on the peninsula's southwest coast, sits 109 miles south of the DMZ. The base is within easy reach of North Korean weapons capable of delivering chemical munitions. Hence, the need for chemical warfare classes for everyone immediately upon arrival. And, if anyone dares to forget, Army Patriot missile sites and machine-gun bunkers serve as constant reminders that the front lines of battle could be as close as the front door. Kunsan Air Base, elevation 30 feet (9 meters), is about 7 miles (13km) southwest of the town of Kunsan, a port on the Kum River. The base is bordered on the west and south by the Yellow Sea. The terrain immediately to the north and east is rugged, consisting of numerous hills reaching heights of 90 feet (27 meters) to 120 feet (37 meters). Although these hills are not very high, they can cause cloud formation due to orographic lift. Hills and mountains cover about 75 percent of Korea, with the remainder covered by scattered lowlands. Most of the rivers are short, swift, and shallow due to topography, narrowness, and sand deposits within the river. There are two small mountain ranges within 49 miles (91 km) of Kunsan. About 102 miles (55 km) north, lies an east-west oriented range, with heights approximately 1,970 feet (601 meters) above sea level. The second range is higher, about 2,950 feet (899 meters), and is 40 miles (74 km) east of Kunsan AB. Its orientation is north-south. The small range to the north is high enough to have significant effect on air moving over Kunsan from the north. Farther east is the Sobaek Range, which forms a north-south interior divide on the Korean peninsula. These mountains have a general elevation of 3,530 feet (1,076 meters), but have little effect on the weather at Kunsan. The base is named after Kunsan City, a port town seven and a half miles east of the installation, with population of approximately 300,000 people. Kunsan is just hours away from Naejangsan National Park, famous for the breathtaking colorful autumn leaves, skiing at Muji Ski Resort, and a short drive to many hot springs resorts located throughout the Republic of Korea. Chejudo Island is a favorite tourist spot. It is only an hour flying from Kunsan. Located just 200 miles south of Kunsan in the Namhae (South Sea) it is often referred to as the "Hawaii of Korea". The United States Air Force has a continuing requirement to maintain adequate supplies of ammunition and explosives within the ROK to support wartime and contingency operational plans. Since capabilities are limited on USAF-controlled installations, the US obtained additional storage capabilities through a concept known as MAGNUM (Munitions Storage Activities Gained by Negotiations of USAF/ROKAF Memorandum). MAGNUMs are a concept unique to Korea, where USAF-titled munitions are stored at facilities which are owned, operated, and protected by the ROKAF. Accordingly, the USAF has very little control over the storage of munitions within these areas and no authority to enforce the maintenance of Q-D clear zones. As a result of encroachment by the Korean civilians into the explosive clear zones, there are large numbers of exposures around the MAGNUMs. There is a permanent exemption from US DOD Q-D standards for off-installation and ROK exposures created by storage of USAF munitions at MAGNUM locations. This exemption applies for all off-installation and ROK violations created by the originally sited net explosives weight (NEW) of storage structures located at the Osan, Kunsan, Suwon, Kwang Ju, Sachon, Taegu, and Cheong Ju MAGNUMs. (SITE NOTE: As far as we know, the last MAGNUM site near Kunsan under USAF control was Sochon MAGNUM West which was shut down in 1987. However, other information indicates that there is a Magnum site under ROK control just outside the north gates of Kunsan AB with some of the largest storage bunkers in Korea. Under ROK-US agreements, the U.S. provides about 60 percent of the wartime readiness munition stockpiles. In 1991, the site had 109 ROK personnel and did not report to the U.S. chain. U.S. personnel who worked there in 1991 had their headquarters in Kwangju and Taegu. This is a strictly ROK facility that still exists due north of the base -- about a 1/2 mile up a dirt road at the intersection to the airport brings you to the back gate. The front gate is accessed through the new road built on the other side of the storage area. THIS STORAGE FACILITY IS STILL IN OPERATION AND HEAVILY GUARDED BY THE ROK ARMY. THIS IS ONE OF THE LARGEST AMMO STORAGE FACILITIES IN KOREA. Included in the protection of this facility is an anti-aircraft position located on a hill that formerly housed the MACS-1 during the Korean War. The removal of the nuclear "silver bullets" in 1992 from Kunsan freed up areas in the bomb dump. Currently igloos and other facilities are being built on Kunsan AB to accommodate the storage of munitions for "follow-on" units in case of war.) Kunsan AB, home of the 8th Fighter Wing (Wolf Pack) was originally built by the Japanese as a fighter-interceptor base in 1938. Kunsan AB became home for the US Military Assistance Advisory Group in Korea at the end of World War II. In 1949, the US Forces left Korea, turning the base over to the then-fledgling Republic of Korea Air Force. In August 1950, during the Korean conflict, Kunsan was occupied by North Korean forces. The 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry, US Army, recaptured the base and Kunsan City, September 30, 1950. Fifth Air Force took over Kunsan AB in October 1950 and began modifying and rehabilitating existing buildings, In March 1951, the 27th Air Installation Squadron may have started maintenance on the base runway; and the 3rd Bombardment Wing arrived August 22, 1951. After the 3rd Bombardment Wing returned to Japan at the end of the Korean conflict, Kunsan AB was home to many US Force units. The 6175th Air Base Wing operated and maintained the base from 1954 to 1971. The 3rd Bombardment Wing returned to Kunsan AB as the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing and stayed until the 1974 arrival of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. The 8th Tactical Fighter Wing changed to the 8th Fighter Wing on 1 February 1992. (SITE NOTE: Kunsan AB perhaps was first built as a base to support the Manchurian campaigns in 1938, but soon became a Japanese advanced aviation training base. However, there were a large amount of bombs and munitions stored at the base when the U.S. forces arrived. After WWII, Kunsan became the headquarters of the 3rd Battalion, 63rd Infantry Regiment of the Occupation Forces. A large explosion in the dump killed some American officers and enlisted men -- along with large numbers of civilians. (The fishing village of Haje was next to the dump even in those days. The original G2 report stated "thousands" of civilian deaths but this may have been inflated.) The base -- originally called Camp Kunsan or Camp Iri -- was renamed for one of the deceased officers and the camp became known as Camp Hillenmeyer. As to the 63rd Infantry's mission, it was originally to disarm and repatriate the Japanese. It then took over the role of attempting to assist in setting up a civilian government under the directions from the Military Government headed by General Hodges. These personnel were detached from the main unit and dispatched to various locations to "assist" in the transition to a democracy. They were totally ineffective. There were NO US Military Assistance Group personnel (USMAG) at Camp Hillenmeyer. The USMAG was up in ASCOM City in Pupyong (Inchon) outside Seoul and was NEVER in Kunsan. In March 1948, the Occupation Forces turned the base over to the Korean Constabulary (forerunners to the ROK Army). Kunsan fell to the North Koreans in 1950. This myth has persisted in justifying some of the most outrageous war stories about attrocities that never took place. After Kunsan was retaken, the base was called K-8. The 808th Engineering Aviation Battalion (SCARWAF) -- assisted by the 809th EAB for a short while -- built the original East-West runway, now called Taxiway Charlie (642). The 27th Air Installation Squadron started the construction of the prefab plywood Jamesway huts (shipped in from Japan), but most were erected with cheap civilian labor from the Indigenous Labor Contract Office handled by the 808th EAB. The 27th AIS was assimilated into the 3rd BW. After the 3rd Bomb Wing took over, the 3rd Air Installation Operations (AIO) supported the base infrastructure. In 1952-53, the present north-south runway was built by the 808th EAB and finished up by the 841st EAB. After the 3rd BW departed for Japan, the first unit was the 6170th ABG -- which became the 6175th ABG in about 1959.) Housing units at Kunsan range from 5 to 40 years old. Consequently, the Wolf Pack Housing Office is in the process of "making it better." Many renovations are 0n-going or are scheduled for the near future. A new dorm has recently been completed and more dorms are scheduled for construction in the next few years. New arrivals are asked for their patience and a willing "self-help" attitude. A lot of new construction to replace the base's ancient infrastructure is on-going. In the next few years, the base will undergo a $250 million facelift. (SITE NOTE: The new 1+1 Barracks structures have been completed and the period of "doubling-up" has ended. New construction of one new dorm per year is underway. All personnel live on base except for about 230 members who live on the economy.) Kunsan City is a deep-water port located on the western coast of Korea, approximately seven and one-half miles from Kunsan AB. This port on the Yellow Sea was established in 1899 and accommodates large ocean-going vessels. With a population of more than 180,000, Kunsan city lists fishing as a major industry, along with its reputation as a major exporter of plywood and rubber shoes. The city has many interesting things to see, such as an outdoor market place, three Buddhist temples, a park with a panoramic view of the city and various shops carrying many different lines of merchandise. The nightclub scene is found in the off-base “A-Town.” American Town, a few miles outside the main gate. There are stores, shops, restaurants and bars and dance clubs there. The security forces' 13-member Town Patrol walks the A-Town streets and alleyways. The patrol is there to provide “preventive maintenance.” (SITE NOTE: This info is a little dated. Kunsan has a population of about 300,000 -- though some claim it may be as high as 500,000 with people living here, but with registered residences in other towns. Though fishing remains a major industry, the major industrial center is now the Kunjang (Kunsan-Janghang) Industrial area with the GM-Daewoo automotive plant and Kia truck plants, as well as chemical and glass manufacturing plants. Hansol Paper (formerly Chonju Paper Co.) has a major facility in Changhang. The industrial complex is still growing through the reclaimed lands of the tidal flats and will become the largest in Korea -- and one of the largest in the world -- when completed. New industries continue to move in as the Kunjang Industrial Zone expands and new foreign industrial zones are planned on the Janghang side of the complex.) Winter at Kunsan AB extends from November through early March. During this period, daytime temperatures range from the mid-fifties in November to the mid-thirties in January. Strong northwest surface winds during these months produce wind chill factors below zero. Snowfall occurs most often during December and January, with an average monthly accumulation of more than 18 inches. Spring (March through May), marks a transition from winter to summer. The summer months at Kunsan AB, (June through mid-September), is commonly called "the rainy season". Average rainfall for June is five inches, increasing to 10 inches in July. Rain tapers off towards summer's end to average just more than five inches in September. Summer daytime temperatures range from mid-seventies to mid-eighties July and August are usually hot and humid. Autumn at Kunsan AB like spring, is a transition period lasting through the latter portion of September and all of October.

In Honor of
Kunsan Air Base's Medal of Honor Winner

Capt. John S. Walmsley
8th Bomb Squadron, 3rd Bomb Wing (L-NI)

Capt. Walmsley earned the Medal of Honor for actions
while flying from Kunsan AB (K-8) on 12 Sept 1951.

Searchlight Mounted B-26 Invader (Type used by Capt. Walmsley) (John Harris)

Capt. John Walmsley Medal of Honor Winner 3rd Bomb Wing (L-NI), Kunsan AB, Korea

For the story of Capt. Walmsley's valor go to 8th Bomb Squadron . Capt. Walmsley is recognized at Kunsan AB on the brass plaque in POW/MIA park that lists all of the nation's Medal of Honor winners.

Plaque in POW/MIA Park
(Click on photo to enlarge)
(Christopher Shroyer)

Unfortunately, he is treated as only a footnote in military history of Kunsan AB --- instead of the brave warrior who flew his last mission from Kunsan AB (K-8). Nowhere is it ever stated that he earned his Medal of Honor with the 3rd BW at Kunsan (K-8). This is NOT a sign of disrespect on the part of the 8th Fighter Wing, but rather that the wing's historical agenda deals only with the Wing's history, not the base's history.

On the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War in 2000, a plaque was presented by the 8th Attack Squadron Association (representing the 8th Bomb Squadron) to honor Capt. Walmsley's memory. The plaque was presented on behalf of the 8th Attack Squadron Association by the 38th FG Commander (ROKAF) to the 8th Fighter Wing Commander. The plaque was to be placed prominently in the Loring Club according to the Services Squadron Commander, Mr. Ron Shadel, but soon after the presentation, the plaque disappeared into an unknown trophy case.

The Medal of Honor winner from the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing was Major Loring of the 80th FBS, who flew his missions from Suwon AB (K-13). Currently Loring AFB, Maine -- as well as the Loring Club at Kunsan AB -- are named for him. (See Major Charles Loring .) For a complete list with citations, go to CMOH List . Go to Congressional Medal of Honor Society for more information on the medal.

This focus on ONLY 8th FW heroes -- versus Kunsan AB heroes -- has led to some unintended slights by the 8th FW to the men that have given their all for their country. In 2002, the remains of a MIA marine aviator was discovered on a beach near Taean. The remains were later identified as SSgt James Vaughn "Red" Harrell, a Radar Operator with the VMF-513 "Flying Nightmares" which flew from Kunsan AB during the Korean War. He was returning from a mission over North Korea when he was lost with his pilot. Though Kunsan was notified, not a word was mentioned about "Red Harrel" at the 8th FW POW/MIA ceremonies. Regardless that he was a Marine, he was an aviator that was trying to get home to his base at Kunsan. Though slighted by the 8th, he was buried with honors in Arlington National Cemetary with members of his old squadron in attendance. Ron Stout a member of the VMF-513 wrote, "An enlisted troopers funeral with two generals in attendance and a squadron representative all the way from Yuma, even though the squadron is at Nellis AFB in a serious interservice gunnery competition. If you have never seen the Washington, D.C. Marines render honors then you have missed one of life's most stirring sights. In a pouring rain not one of them so much as blinked. After the rifles volleys they presented the empty casings to the family." "Red" Harrel had returned home. (See Kunsan AB (K-8) MIA from Korean War Interred in Arlington National Cemetary with Honors for the full story.)

Lest we forget...

POW/MIA Park
(Click on photo to enlarge)
(Christopher Shroyer)

ERRORS IN KUNSAN AB'S HISTORY

(SITE NOTE: Kunsan Aerodrome may have originally been built to support the Manchuria drive, but by the end of the war, it was used by the Japanese as an advanced fighter training base with about 500 people stationed there. THE USAF (Army Air Corps) WAS NOT ON THE BASE DURING THE OCCUPATION FORCES YEARS. There was only a sod runway used previously by the Japanese. The 3rd Battalion 63rd Infantry Regiment arrived at Kunsan from the Philippines without proper winter clothing in Oct 1945 to disarm and repatriate Japanese. The initial work was done very easily.

The work on the tidal reclamation in Kunsan was started by the Fuji Company in 1932 starting in Kunsan City area of what is now Yah Hwa-dong. The construction was then extended down to where the Ssangyong Concrete plant is now. The original island on which Kunsan AB is located was used as a tie-point for the levees. The levees extended towards Kunsan from the island. When this was completed, the Okku Reservoir was created for the rice fields and irrigation canals were laid out. AFTER this was completed, the attention was turned to Kunsan. The sod airstrip was done by coolie labor hauling sand as an 1 1/2 foot underlayer. The aerodrome was used for advanced fighter training by the Japanese with approximately 500 soldiers stationed there. (See Howitwas: Japanese Period .)

The Japanese "Kunsan Aerodrome" was originally named "Camp Iri" by the United States Army. It was redesignated as "Camp Kunsan" in 1947. The site was also known as "Camp Hillenmeyer" starting in 1947 -- named after an Army officer killed in a disastrous explosion of the Japanese ammo dump on the camp. Camp Hillenmeyer was NOT a "handful of people," but a battalion (about 500-1000) with small detachments at Kunsan Harbor. What is not the BOQ area was where the dependent housing was constructed. The camp assumed the duty to stabilize the nation under the Military Government and transition it into a democracy, but Korea soon turned into stinking quagmire. The US Army left in March 1948 turning the camp over to the Korean Constabulary -- the forerunner to the ROK Army. The U.S. Occupation forces left Korea in 1949 leaving behind a small Korea Military Assistance Group (KMAG) in Ascom City (now Pupyong near Inchon). No KMAG Americans were left in Kunsan. (See Howitwas: Occupation Forces: Camp Hillenmeyer . Also see the book review of Russell E. McLogan's Boy Soldier on this page.)

(SITE NOTE: There were NO AMERICANS in Kunsan when the North invaded. The North Koreans swept down the peninsula in a two pronged drive. The ill-prepared and ill-equipped Americans of Task Force Smith hastily brought in from Japan faced the onslaught at Pyongtaek and were slaughtered...and driven back in a rout to Taegu and finally into the Pusan Perimeter. The second prong of the North Korean attack was along the west coast and was confronted by students and Constabulary who were quickly slaughtered by the well-trained North Koreans. The North Koreans took Kunsan without a struggle. The Constabulary had fled as the North was summarily executing any Constabulary or leaders they found on the way. The ROK Marines from Cheju Islan did mount a counter-attack to delay the North's drive south but withdrew after fierce fighting in the Changhang area. There are records of executions of nurses and medical staff in Chonju by the North Koreans. Rumors of mass executions became popular AFTER the Korean War. Such horrendously sick rumors such as the 18th TFW colors of "yellow" and the "chicken" were because of the cowardice resulting in the Wing abandoning their troops to die at Kunsan have persisted. Other rumors were that Americans were hung up on the hooks in the hangar by the North Koreans when in fact that hangar was constructed DURING the Korean War for the 474th FBG. This is now part of the ROKAF area. The book Taking Command by John Moench contains photos of excavations by the 808th EAB that are purported to be proof of executions, but the books facts are skewed. The bodies were graves that were disinterred for excavations to make a stone quarry. (SEE Howitwas: Constabulary ; Cholla Province Korean War History (1950-1952): for North Korea Offensive-Kunsan Falls-Pusan Perimeter-Feint on Kunsan.). See Book Review of John Moench's book on this page.)

(SITE NOTE: The record of the retaking of Kunsan is told at Cholla Province Korean War History (1950-1952): Inchon Invasion-Pusan Breakout-Retaking of Kunsan . "Task Forces Matthews and Blair cleared Namwon of enemy soldiers. In midafternoon Task Force Dolvin arrived there from the east. Task Force Matthews remained overnight in Namwon, but Task Force Blair continued on toward Chongup, which was secured at noon the next day, 29 September. That evening Blair's force secured Iri. There, with the bridge across the river destroyed, Blair stopped for the night and Task Force Matthews joined it. Kunsan, the port city on the Kum River estuary, fell to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry, without opposition at 1300, 30 September ."

However, the Kunsan AB History continues to erroneously credit the 27th Airfield Installation Squadron (AIS) as the original unit to rehabilitate the base. The fact is the 808th Engineeering Aviation Battalion (EAB) was ALREADY in operation constructing the base when first elements of the 27th AIS arrived. The 27th Fighter-Escort Wing (SAC) (of which the 27th AIS was a part) was a Reserve unit that flew F-84 Thunderjets. It was activated and hastily shipped to Korea in November 1950. It appears that the unit disembarked in Yokosuka and went to Yokota AB from November 11-30 to stage. On December 1, 1950, the 27th FEW was attached to the Fifth Air Force. The unit was split into two elements: a forward echelon and a rear echelon. The forward echelon deployed to Taegu from 1 Dec 50 - 31 Jan 51. On January 31, 1951, the last missions were flown from Taegu. The 27th FEW then was replaced by the 136th Fighter-Bomber Wing in July 1951. When the 27th FEW (SAC) returned to the states, the 27th AIS was left behind because all units with construction skills were desperately needed to beef up the EABs constructing camps and airfields throughout Korea -- and were absorbed into the existing units.

According to the 8th Fighter Wing History , the 27th Air Base Group was assigned between 1 Apr 1951-24 Jun 1951. This is rather strange as the 27th Air Installation Squadron (AIS) arrived at Kunsan on 11 Feb 51 to set up operations -- two months BEFORE the 27th ABG arrived. The 808th EAB -- and 809th EAB before they left for Chunchong -- were already in place at Kunsan when the members of the 27th AIS arrived. Also remember that the 3rd Battalion, 63rd Infantry Regiment during the Occupation had already done a lot of the basic engineering work (road grading, water, infrastructure) and the living and maintenance areas were located in the same areas as during the Occupation. The 27th FEW (SAC) returned stateside to Bergstrom AFB, TX after it was relieved at Itazuke by the 136th TFW on 15 Jul 51 which matches the date for its shutdown.

At this time, we believe the 808th EAB who arrived in April 1951 actually provided the overall direction for the setup of the base -- with miscellaneous attached units under their supervision. The presence of the 27th ABG does NOT make sense. David Britt, CMSgt, USAFR (Ret) was with the original group of the 27th AIS to arrive on Kunsan (K-8) and he was greeted by elements that were already in work constructing the base. They were set at first to driving duties to get the materials from Kunsan Harbor to the base. All members of the 27th AIS remained until the end of their one-year active service and were absorbed into the 3rd AIS when the 3rd Bomb Wing (L-NI) arrived in August 51. The 27th AIS would remain at Kunsan until 05 Feb 52 and was credited with a 12-month tour. SEE 27th Air Installation Squadron for first-hand account.

The 3rd Bomb Wing flew the B-26 bomber during the war, remaining at Kunsan from August 1951 until October 1954. A Marine aviation squadron, VMF(N)-513, arrived in April 1952, and a few months later the base added the 474th Fighter-Bomber Group, which included three squadrons of F-84 fighters, bringing the total size of the operation to one wing, one group, and a Marine fighter squadron. In April 1953, the 474th Fighter-Bomber Group left and was replaced by the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, also flying the F-84.

(SITE NOTE: Though this is an 8th FW history it leaves out some significant facts. Capt James Wamsley of the 3rd Bomb Wing became a Medal of Honor winner for his actions from K-8. The honor of the LAST mission of the Korean War was granted to the 8th Bomb Squadron, 3rd BW because it was amongst the FIRST who entered the war. The FIRST night jet-to-jet kill was scored by an E3-D of the VMF(N)-513 while flying from Kunsan. he VMF(N)-513 Flying Nightmares left for Pyongtaek in June 1953 just prior to the Armistice. (SEE VMF(N)-513 for details.)The 474th FBG DID NOT LEAVE. This was a paperwork move -- and only one squadron physically relocated to Taegu. The other two squadrons remained at K-8. The renaming of the units was part of an Air Force restructuring to build a "super-Wing" at Taegu with combined resources to better support supply and maintenance. (SEE 474th FBG for details.)

During the Korean War, the large number of locations used for bases and the similarity of some geographical names prompted the Air Force to use alphanumeric identifiers for bases in addition to their proper designations. Under this system, each base in Korea received a "K number," simplifying positive identification when referring to the various bases. Kunsan received the number K-8, while Osan Air Base was also known as K-55.

After hostilities ceased, the base began to draw down. The F-84 forces of the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing left in November 1953, and by October 1954 the host unit of the base, the 3rd Bombardment Wing, also departed. This left the base with a much-reduced mission. From 1953-1954, the 808th and 841st Aviation Engineering Battalions constructed what is today’s main runway. For the next several years Kunsan merely hosted periodic rotations of fighter and light bomber squadrons, with base facilities maintained and operated by an air base group. In 1957 and 1958, the 6170th Air Base Group began to upgrade base facilities, increasing the runway from 5,000 to 9,000 feet and building new dormitories.

(SITE NOTE: An important fact which will NEVER be mentioned is that the base became the PERMANENT nuclear alert facility in Korea starting in 1958. Though the targets were secret, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that China became a nuclear power in 1958 and the base was on the WEST coast facing CHINA. First supported by B-57s from Misawa, it later was transitioned into F-100s pulling nuclear alerts. The base was also used as a prepositioning point for nuclear armed aircraft brought up from Okinawa in times of tension. The base continued with its nuclear commitment on a TDY basis -- with the Det 1 475th TFW being the last -- until 1971 when the 3rd TFW assumed that alert with their F-4s. When the 8th TFW took over the nuclear commitment it was downgraded from a full-time alert, though the capability (and training) continued until 1992 when the last of the nukes were removed from Korea. THIS TOPIC REMAINS A "NO CONFIRMATION - NO DENIAL" AREA FOR THE USFK.

The comment that the 6170th ABG began the upgrade in 1957-1958 may not be true. The base facilities continued to deteriorate during that time and Korean War structures were still used. New cinder-block buildings did not start to appear until the early 1960s -- just prior to the Pueblo Crisis. Personnel who were at Kunsan in the 1957-1959 period do not recall such a major construction. The north-south runway was started by the 808th EAB in 1953 and completed in 1954 by the 841st EAB and they were the ones that constructed the original 9,000 ft runway. The 6170th may have affected some runway repairs, but the money for projects were scarce and NO MONEY would have been spent on a backwater dive like Kunsan. (SEE Caretaker Years for details.)

Until the late 1960's, though, Kunsan remained relatively dormant, hosting temporary deployments of flying units and serving as a safe haven base for aircraft evacuated from Okinawa and Guam during typhoons. In 1965, the Republic of Korea Air Force assigned a squadron of F-86 fighters to the base. This ROKAF unit was the only permanently assigned flying contingent at Kunsan until after the Pueblo incident in 1968.

The 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, flying the F-100 Super Sabre, arrived at Kunsan in July 1968, as part of the buildup of forces in Korea in the wake of the February 1968 seizure of the USS Pueblo by the North Koreans. In 1969 the wing began a transition from the F-100 to the F-4 Phantom. The 354th remained until June 1970, when the base again returned to hosting temporary deployments, such as the four-month deployment of the 54th Tactical Fighter Wing from June through October 1970.

(SITE NOTE: The 354th TFW did NOT fly F-100s. It was the cover group for the ANG F-100s that were brought over to replace the 4th TFW which returned to Seymour Johnson after the Pueblo Crisis was defused. THE BASE DID NOT HAVE ASSIGNED AIRCRAFT AND WHEN THE ANG ONE-YEAR ACTIVE SERVICE WAS UP THE F-100s DEPARTED. (SEE 354th TFW for details.) The transitioning to the F-4 was really by the 475th Det 1 which supported the nuclear alert in the Christmas Tree area with monthly deployments from MISAWA. (SEE Det 1 475th TFW for details.)

The 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing — previously known as the 3rd Bombardment Wing, stationed at Kunsan in the early 1950's—arrived in March 1971 to assume control of the base. Like the 354th and 54th, the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing flew the F-4 Phantom. When it first arrived in May, the wing contained the 35th and 36th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. In September, the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron replaced the 36th.

(SITE NOTE: The 3rd TFW arrived without aircraft and assimilated the personnel and assets from Misawa which was being closed. After 1971 it becomes a little confusing as to units being assigned and transferred. On Feb. 15, 1971, the 80th TFS (along with the 35th TFS and 36th TFS ) of the 347th TFW moved from Yokota AB to Kunsan Air Base and were temporarily assigned to Detachment 1, 475th Tactical Fighter Wing . The assignment of aircraft was a very confused operation as personnel and aircraft were actually split between two locations during the process. The 35th Deployed to Vietnam and the 80th TFS appeared to have been the source in 1971 of the original F-4 aircraft transferred to the ROK in exchange for the ROK F-5s being sent to the RVNAF forces. (SEE 3rd TFW for details.)

In September 1974 the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, the "Wolf Pack," moved from Ubon Air Base, Thailand to replace the 3rd at Kunsan. The move took place in name only, as the 8th moved without personnel or equipment, absorbing all assets of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing. This included the two flying squadrons, which continued to operate as the 35th and 80th Tactical Fighter Squadrons, reuniting the wing with two of its original squadrons. Since then, the 8th has continued to serve as host unit of Kunsan Air Base, continually improving the base’s facilities over the years.

(SITE NOTE: (SEE 8th Fighter Wing History Index for the history of the 8th from its inception in 1931 through WWII to Japan to Korea. Its return to Japan and then stateside to transition to F-4s. The detailed history then takes you to Thailand and finally to Korea. The Korean history is broken down by year.)

MAJOR AIR FORCE UNITS ASSIGNED TO KUNSAN AIR BASE

27th Air Base Group: 1 Apr 1951-24 Jun 1951 (SITE NOTE: CONTESTED)
3rd Bombardment Wing: 22 Aug 1951-1 Oct 1954
474th Fighter-Bomber Wing: 10 Jul 1952-1 Apr 1953
49th Fighter-Bomber Wing: 1 Apr 1953-6 Nov 1953
6170th Air Base Group: 1 Sep 1954-8 Apr 1956
6170th Air Base Squadron: 8 Apr 1956-25 Mar 1959
6175th Air Base Group: 25 Mar 1959-1 Aug 1968
354th Tactical Fighter Wing: 5 Jul 1968-15 Jun 1970
54th Tactical Fighter Wing: 15 Jun 1970-31 Oct 1970
6175th Air Base Group: 15 Jun 1970-15 Mar 1971
3rd Tactical Fighter Wing: 15 Mar 1971-16 Sep 1974
8th Tactical Fighter Wing (later 8th Fighter Wing) 16 Sep 1974-present

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For a comparison of life now at Kunsan Air Base and life in 1954, go to Welcome to K8: Comparison of Now and 1954 . Contains selected pages from the 1954 Welcome Brochure and maps/links to the facilities of today.

Airmen Billets (Korean War)	Airmen Billets (1959)
Prefab Airmen Billets (1978)	Airmen Billets (2002)

Click on Photo to Enlarge

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8th Fighter Wing

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Origin of the Term "Wolfpack":

From Phantom's Lair :Quote from a letter from B/Gen Robin Olds .

"Please let me explain something that has bothered a host of fine people for years. The nickname "Wolf Pack" was a piece of outright plagiarism and I have had to apologize to the original members of the Hub Zemke's 56th Fighter Group many times over. I don't blame them for resenting my theft. But here's how it came about. We had prepped for days for the mission called BOLO. Not one of the pilots selected by their squadron commanders to fly had ever been in an aerial battle [by this, I think he means a large-scale W.W.II style fighter sweep]. Yes, the 8th had downed a few MiGs, but those were chance encounters, not engagements of the sort I planned for. To say that tension and excitement ran high is putting it mildly. All was set to go on the first of January. Headquarters 7th AF ordered a weather-standown at the last moment. We went through the briefing drill again on the second. At the very end someone stuck his head in the door and shouted "we have an execute!" There was bedlam..shouting, back slapping excitement. I finally got the pilots' attention and without thought called out to them, "All right you Wolf Pack, let's go get 'em!!" The name stuck. The 8th FW, now in Korea, still calls itself the "Wolf Pack." (SITE NOTE: For more information of the Col. Robin Olds and the Wolfpack in Thailand go to 8TH FIGHTER WING HISTORY (1954-1974) .)

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8th Fighter Wing History: 8th Pursuit Gp History (1931-1945) 8th Fighter Bomber Wing History (1946-1952) 8th Fighter Bomber Wing History (1952-1955) 8th Fighter Bomber Wing History (1955-1974) ROKAF: 111st Fighter Squadron (1953-Present) 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1974-1975) Kunsan AB: Tenant Units (1974-1994) 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1976-1989) 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1990-1995) 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1996-1999) 8th Fighter Wing (2000) 8th Fighter Wing (2001): Part I 8th Fighter Wing (2001): Part II 8th Fighter Wing (2002): Part I 8th Fighter Wing (2002): Part II 8th Fighter Wing (2002): Part III 8th Fighter Wing (2002): Part IV 8th Fighter Wing (2003): Part I 8th Fighter Wing (2003): Part II 8th Fighter Wing (2003): Part III

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"Taking the Fight North" is NOT a "Sunshine" Policy
(8FW Photo) (Click to Enlarge)

See North Korean Versus USFK Strategy for an overview of OPLAN 5027,
as well as North Korea/USFK/ROK warfighting capabilities & strategies.

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Greetings from the Wolfpack:
Keith Ferris

See F-16 History & Specifications for details on the F-16C/D aircraft.

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The following additional information extracted from 8th FW Public Affairs .

Mission

To deliver lethal airpower when and where directed by the Air Component Commander.
To defend the base, accept follow-on forces and take the fight north!

Personnel and Resources

Kunsan Air Base, recipient of the Air Force's 2000 Commander-in-Chief's Award for Installation Excellence, has 2,717 Air Force members, 180 Army members, and more than 30 United States civilians assigned. In addition, the base employs about 400 local national full-time employees.

All but 237 military members live on base in dormitories. Those who live off base have received approval to live in the local community. An assignment to Kunsan Air Base is typically a one year unaccompanied tour, meaning members come to the base without their families.

Organization

The 8th Fighter Wing, commonly known as the Wolf Pack, is the host unit at Kunsan Air Base, and is assigned to the Seventh Air Force, headquartered at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Seventh Air Force falls under Pacific Air forces, which is headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The members of the Wolf Pack are charged with defending the base, receiving follow-on forces, and flying missions to destroy enemy forces. The 8th Operations group equips and trains the 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons (nicknames the Pantons and Juvats, respectively) to conduct air-to-ground and air-to-air missions in the 49 F-16s assigned to the wing. The squadrons conduct interdiction, close air support, counter air, air superiority, and suppression of enemy air defense missions. The 8th Support Group consists of five squadrons that support the base with civil engineering, communications, transportation, maintenance, supply and logistical support, including planning bed-down of follow-on forces. The 8th Medical Group manages the medical clinic that offers flight medicine, general medicine, dentistry, bioenvironmental services, and military public health.

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REVIEWS OF BOOKS ABOUT KUNSAN AB

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The books, Korea Between the Wars: A Soldier's Story and Taking Command are in the Kunsan base library. The book, Korea Between the Wars was personally donated to the Kunsan AB library by Fred Ottoboni as a gift to the Airmen of Kunsan.

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Boy Soldier: Coming of Age during World War II Russell E. McLogan Hardcover - 432 pages (December 7, 1998) $29.95

It is highly recommended for those interested in a dog-face soldier's bird's eye view of what was happening in the closing years of the war. It is well-written and retains your interest by capturing his emotions in print rather than simply relating the details of events. We have this book on our bookshelf and it is a treasured addition because of his well-researched and documented story-telling. However, our myopic interest is limited to only to Kunsan Air Base's history and this book provides some gems of information not published before.

Only one or two chapters at the end deal with Kunsan AB. The 6th Infantry Division was sent up from the Philippines via LST to handle the surrender of Korea. Shipped directly from the warm tropics to frozen Korea, the troops had to use discarded Japanese uniforms to stay warm.

The book was well-received. Margaret Everett from Destin, FL , March 11, 1999 wrote, "Boy Soldier is well written and realistic. Boy Soldier vividly gives the reader insight into the thoughts and emotions of an eighteen year old boy thrust into the infantry in World War II. The author is remarkable in his ability to recall the feelings of the "Boy Soldier." Each chapter flowed into the next chapter connecting the events of this great war in the Pacific and capturing the interest of the reader."

The chapters dealing with Korea provide some insights into the conditions in Korea at the time by a young 18-year old soldier. Starting his journey in Inchon (Jinsen) where they off-loaded from the LST he proceeded to Kunsan. The 63rd Regiment of the 6th Infantry Division were to take over the provinces in the southwest. On pg 300, he states, "It took all day to make the trip from Seoul to Kunsan, some 130 miles. It was dark when we arrived at the Japanese Air Base near Kunsan where the third battalion was billeted in wooden barracks." He described the barracks as "very long and constructed of wood. The interior walls were made of paper-tin plywood. A long, narrow, central hallway ran the length of the barracks some 250 or 300 feet. There were small rooms on both sides of the hallway housing offices and sleeping quarters of the men, six or eight to a room. They were unheated and veritable fire traps." He went on, "Apparently the Japanese military were hardy souls who could live in that climate without heating the barracks. We Americans, who had just arrived from a tropical island, were always cold. We had available for our use small portable kerosene stoves. They were about six inches in diameter and eighteen inches high, about the size of a kerosene lantern, with a single burner on top. We used these little stoves mostly to keep warm, but also to make tea or coffee or to boil fresh eggs which we obtained from the local Koreans. Later one of these stoves was accidentally tipped over and the whole barracks was destroyed. (SEE Japanese Aviation Training Base (1938-1945) which is what he saw when he arrived; Occupation Forces: 6th Infantry Division, 63d Infantry Regiment, 3d Battalion; A Soldier's Story (1945-1947) for the miserable conditions after he left; Occupation Forces: 63d Service Company, Kunsan Harbor (1945-1947) for the some photos of Kunsan and Iri; and Occupation Forces: Officer's Tour (1946-1947) for life within Camp Hillenmeyer (renamed for the Capt that he describes) by officer families.)

Later he wrote, "I was back into the routine of an infantry rifle company: close order drill, long marches, calisthenics, training and guard duty. ... It was rice harvesting time in that part of Korea. I spent many cold nights pulling guard duty in the fields. We would be trucked out to the rice paddies for four-hour stints of standing or sitting by piles of harvested grain. I was apppalled when I saw soldiers burning the rice to keep themselves warm."

He added, "When we were not occupied with military duties, we spent time looking around the place. There were hangers and Japanese airplanes to look at. Also a complete machine shop and maintenance stores." This statement is interesting as by 1946, there was only ONE aircraft that was methodically stripped by the Koreans.

He went on, "One building, which must have been officers' quarters, had a mini-swimming pool in it which turned out to be a communal bath tub. ... The Yellow Sea was within walking distance and we often walked down to the shore. The tides in this part of the world are enormous, sometimes running as high as 30 heet. When it was at low tide we could stand on the beach and look out over miles and miles of mud flats with the ocean barely discernible on the horizon. ... We could also catch a ride to town, which was a congested, smelly place of mud houses with thatched roofs. The shops were full of junk that we weren't interested in buying. Hair pomades, for instance. There seemed to be hundreds of jars of the stuff in every other shop. They were also overstocked with incense and equipment to burn it. Some soldiers bought some but got a lot of complaints when they tried burning it in the barracks. ... We were forbidden to eat or drink any of the native foods because they didn't have much and needed what little they did have to keep from starving, and their standards of public health were much lower and the prevalence of communicable intestinal diseases, principally typhoid fever and cholera, was very high. This was because they used human excrement as fertilizer on their farms."

One humorous statement was the combination of human excrement and KIMCHI was the reason for the rank smell of Kunsan. He went on, "Actually, Kunsan was a fairly large city of some 40,000 people at that time. It was Korea's sixth largest port and could accommodate ships of 4000 tons. However, a ship drawing more than eight feet of water could reach the harbor only at high tide. Kunsan was being used to ship out the Japanese and bring in the repatriated Koreans. I heard some mdics talking once about how they had to meet the incoming ships, mostly LCIs and LSTs, and spray delousing powder on the Koreans before they were allowed to board trains for their home towns."

He went on to describe the explosion in the Japanese ammo dump on the South side of the base on Nov 30, 1945. (NOTE: This site remained the ammo storage area for Kunsan AB (K-8) during the Korean War and is the current location of the 8th FW munitions storage area.) Col. Arndt Mueller wrote that Capt. (Henry R.) Hillenmeyer, the S3 Operations Staff Officer along with another officer was killed in this explosion. Col Mueller stated, "There were numerious Korean casualties. Some were the brave firemen...the rest were in the neighboring village. Most of the houses were flattened. A fierce fire broke out. The figure of 300 Korean caualties is not out of line and may even be a low figure. ... This was a tragedy waiting to happen. Every time I went into that dump, my skin would crawl ... Ammo, black powder, picric acid explosives, fuses and blasting caps were all mixed up. Black powder had been spilled on the ground. The Japs did not obeserve the strict ammo storage procedures that we did..." He stated that "Division sent us an explosives expert who was to supervise the job of reducing the dump ... An engineer Lt. in charge of repair of a nearby bridge said that the last he saw of the expert, (just before the explosion), he was standing on top of a pile of explosives directingthe Korean firemen in their attempt to put out a fire in the rice stubble inside the dump."

McLogan described how they disposed of the Japanese munitions by dumping them into the sea from flat-bottomed barges. Requests to use the Japanese regiment to do this labor was denied because of the fear that Japanese treachery would create a disaster. After the explosion, Col. Mueller stated, "Division said it was OK to use the Japs to dispose the ammo at sea. They did it without incident ... gave me no trouble -- followed all the rules I laid down to the letter. I even took my guards off their compound."

Later the 3d Battalion's camp would be unofficially be renamed, Camp Hillenmeyer, though the records indicate that it was officially called first Camp Iri and then Camp Kunsan. McLogan wrote, "The Regimental Headquarters had moved from Kunsan to Chonju on November 24. With the regiment spread out over Cholla Pukto province, it affforded a more central location. Chonju, population 47,230, was the provincial capital and like Kunsan was a crowded mass of houses and unpaved roads. The only significant industrieds were a hemp textile mill and a large tobacco factry and warehouse." He was reassigned as a clerk and later switchboard operator in Iri.

He wrote, "It was at a time of transition for the Regiment. Confusion abounded because the regiment had suffered a massive decrease of 715 men in November (70 officers and 645 enlisted men). Apparently a fourth of the regiment had arrived in Korea, served a few weeks and then gone home on points. They were the oldest and most experienced soldiers left after had gone in September. Everyone was new on the job and I don't remember getting much direction." He goes on to relate various incidents of the NCO leadership being completely lacking.

An interesting note about the 63rd's history is on pg. 313. "The Unit History also says that by December 31, 1945, the 63rd Infantry had accomplished the following (abridged) missions in Korea:"

• a. Completed the occupation of Cholla-Pukto Province.
• b. Completed the disarmament and evacuation of 3,751 Japanese Army troops to Japan.
• c. Military Government in Cholla-Pukto Provice down to all 14 Guns (Counties) totaling 1,700,000 in population.
• d. Completed the evacuation of 22,095 Jap civilains to Japan.
• e. Established a processing station at the port of Kunsan. At total of 33,845 Koreans from Japan were unloaded and dispatched by rail to relocations centers in Korea. A total of 251 Chinese were dispatched by LST to China.
• f. Approximately 600 tons of Japanese ammunition and explosives were destroyed.

The book is well-written with many vignettes of life in Korea at the time though information dealing specifically with Kunsan -- which is the focus of our website -- is very sparce. However, as there is very little first-hand eye witness accounts of Kunsan, this book becomes a significant piece of historical literature.

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Korea Between The Wars A Soldier's Story by Fred Ottoboni ISBN 915241-02-1, paperback, 332 pages including 12 pages of photos. $19.95 Published by Vincente Books, Inc., PO Box 50704, Sparks, NV 89435.

Korea Between the Wars: A Soldier's Story , Fred Ottoboni, 1997: The book is detailed and a must-read for any one stationed at Kunsan. It provides a shocking reminder of how the U.S. focused on the Occupation forces in Japan -- but forgot about the folks in Korea. The book illustrates the life at Kunsan during the Occupation era. It is the story of a young enlisted man who remembers "the bone-chilling cold, shortages of fuel, dirty bodies, and grimy clothes, and hunger to the point of starvation." The troops had to stage a mutiny to get food. As one compares the diagrams of the base one realizes that the Occupation forces set up the roads patterns that are still in use today. His photos show the indescribable horror of poverty after the war with people living in caves and scavenging in the garbage dump. (Go to Camp Hillenmeyer (1945-1949): Occupation Forces for details of this period.) The book gives a glimpse of what the Japanese left behind and as such an insight into the Japanese operations of the base. (Go to Kunsan Aerodrome (1938-1945): Japanese for details.)

This book is historically significant as it resolves many of the historical inaccuracies about Kunsan that has persisted over the years. It puts to rest the myth that the BOQ buildings on Kunsan were "Japanese built." Instead they were built with Japanese war reparation materials by the U.S. Army for their dependents at Kunsan in 1947. (See 63rd Inf Reg: Officer's family for then Capt. and Betty Grenig's tale of life at Kunsan.) From the descriptions in the book, we were able to identify some buildings in Kunsan City used by the Occupation forces that still exist today. (SITE NOTE: Col Grenig passed away in Jul 2003 in Arizona.)

The book was donated to the Kunsan AB library by Fred Ottoboni in 2001 as a gift to the Airmen of Kunsan. The book is filed under the "Korea" section -- not the "military history" section. However, we are saddened that the airmen have not read this book of the true history of Kunsan since its donation -- simply because it isn't advertised as a Kunsan AB history. On the other hand, John Moench's book, Taking Command , an "history" of Kunsan AB absurdly corrupted by "literary license" is treated as fact -- and the library has three of this books on its shelf.

The following is an email we received from James C. Richards, Col., USAF (Ret) in May 2003 of his experiences at Camp Hillenmeyer:

I enjoyed the references in the website to Camp Hellenmeyer, near Kunsan, Korea. I lived there, and remember it well. I was one of the dependents. My father was Lt Col Fred W. Richards. I believe he commanded one of the infantry battalions.

My mother took us to Korea from Reading, Pa. We flew to San Francisco in a DC-3, then by ship, a voyage which took almost six weeks, via Japan to Inchon. I believe it was a liberty ship. We went over on the USS Altman, and back on the USS Mayo, or vice versa. I remember some very rough weather enroute during which we all became quite seasick. Then we went by Jeep to Kunsan, where we moved into one of the brand new dependent houses. My mother cooked on a wood burning stove. She had a full time maid, named Pak San. Pak San evidently had worked for some soldiers before, because her language was very foul. Mom corrected here all the time, much to my amusement. My Mom was really the hero of the operation, having taken us on such a voyage. My sisters were 5 and 6, and I was 8. Went to a one room school, taught by one of the older dependent daughters using a correspondence course. My father was also the president of the school board.

It was very exciting for me. I went to work with my Dad a lot, to the firing range, in the barracks, and got to know a lot of the soldiers. They, in turn, took me to the field (with Dad's permission) occasionally. I remember the long power outages, mentioned in the web article, and the tidal mud flats, into which I wandered from time to time, much to the chagrin of my parents. I also remember the Korean people and how kind and friendly they were. One of my sisters and I had blonde hair, and the Koreans loved to touch it and giggle. I recall how poverty stricken many of them were, and how Mom gave them some food and clothing frequently. I believe we lived there two years.

Later in life, I became an Air Force officer, and traveled to Korea occasionally. What a difference the interim period made in the progress of that nation!

Thanks for the great website. I have a great black and white photo of the housing area, labeled "Camp Helenmeyer, 1947. I'll be happy to e-mail it to you, if you wish.

Sincerely, James C. Richards
Col., USAF (Ret)

For further details of this period go to:

• Japanese Aviation Training Base (1938-1945)
• Occupation Forces: 6th Infantry Division, 63d Infantry Regiment, 3d Battalion; A Soldier's Story (1945-1947)
• Occupation Forces: 63d Service Company, Kunsan Harbor (1945-1947)
• Occupation Forces: Officer's Tour (1946-1947) .

SITE NOTE: Fred Ottoboni, M. Alice Ottoboni, Sophie Alice Segur are authors of The Modern Nutritional Diseases: And How to Prevent Them: Heart Disease, Stroke, Type-2 Diabetes, Obesity, Cancer , (Paperback: Vincente Books; (July 2002) ISBN: 091524103X) (Used &new from $26.95)

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This book comes highly recommended by those of the 8th Bomb Group. Many of the 8th's veteran organizations reference this book on their sites. It was out of print, but has been reissued in time for the Korean War anniversary. One of the oldest flying units of America, its history dates to WWI and then to Mexican border duty. One of the first units to enter WWII, it distinguished itself in the Pacific. After being assigned to Itazuke, Japan, it was one of the first to launch strikes in the Korean War -- and performed the last combat mission of that "Forgotten War." The history of the 3rd Bomb Wing and 3rd TFW have been intertwined with Kunsan from Korean War from 1951-1954 to its assuming the base in 1971-1974.

Links to Protest Sites:

Korean Reunification Aug 15, 2002
Skit blaming US for Keeping the Koreas Divided
(Click on image to enlarge)

Tongil News -- (Hangul) Excellent source of photos of activist movement

OhMy News -- (Hangul) Excellent source of photos of activist movement and everyday life. "It was OhmyNews that in 2003 broke the utterly shocking news of how W224 billion was sent to North Korea by the government of Kim Dae Jung immediately prior to the intra-Korean summit held in Pyeongyang in June of 2000. News conglomerates that had long accused OhmyNews of being in bed with that government quoted the story extensively, saying only that it originated with "an online news source," without any mention of OhmyNews by name. The story was quickly picked up by news media around the world, thanks in part to how President Kim Dae Jung won the Nobel Peace Prize later in 2000."

OhMy News International Edition -- (English) Click on the "English" tab to link. Selected stories but good source of information on activist movement and Korean popular views. Started in 2004, it claims to be a "third-generation" internet news source. Later expanded coverage to international events affecting Korea.

Base 21 -- (English) Excellent source of anti-American activity & NGO group movement for immigrant workers. In their words, "Base21 means Building A Solidarity Electronically, 21st Century. BASE21 is a non-profit, independent grassroots information network for the Korean progressive movement. In addition to articles, bulletin boards, and links, we hope to soon establish a rapid response system for urgent struggles occurring all over the world--struggles against neo-liberalism, capitalism, anti-ASEM / Anti G8 Meeting / Anti - MD, etc."

Voice of the People: Front Page -- (Hangul) Anti-American organization

North Korean News -- (English/Hangul) News from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) of the DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea)

Anti-Migun -- (Hangul) Anti-American main focus SOFA revision

Green Korea United -- (Hangul) An environmental organization with a separate department for U.S. base environmental problems. Approximately 10,000 members.

North Korean site (Kuguk Choson) -- (English) North Korean Site. Reeunification of Korea slant. Anti-US tirades. Videos and NK Martial Music (MP3). News Reports by month/year of North Korean viewpoint.

• Anti-US Meeting (Dec 14-15, 2002)
• We are one
• No More Tolerable (Girls Deaths Protests 2002) -- Excellent video footage of attack on Yongsan compound and demonstrations with US flag burnings etc.
• Pro-North Korea (Kim Jong-Il Propaganda)
• North Korean Website -- (English/Hangul/Russian) North Korean propaganda website based in China with English, Korean, Russian translations. The web site, whose server is based in Shenyang, China, first opened in April 2003 only in Korean. It has since been used as a channel to propagate North Korea to Internet users worldwide by providing various pictures and major news of its state media. The site also contains the DPRK's stance on reunification of the ROK and DPRK and aphorisms by its former and current leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Content is typical North Korea propaganda of ideology and social system. Makes for interesting reading -- though reality and Kim Il-sung's/Kim Jong-il's words may not match. Interesting N.K. translation of the 2000 North-South Declaration between Kim Jong-Il & Kim Dae-jung. Must read is the Aphorisms of Kim Jong-il -- with many ironic statements given the current situations in North Korea. "The man who lives off himself will be prosperous, while the man who lives off others will go to ruin." On one hand, it sounds very similar to President Roh's philosophy -- but on the other, when comparing the North to the South's international market-driven economy, it is utter nonsense.

Links to Regional News Sources:

Strait Times -- (English) Excellent news on China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Asia Times -- (English) Excellent news on China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Subsection on Korea news.

CNN News -- International News

Honolulu Star Bulletin -- World-wide Report Page
Hawaii IRH Radio -- Not news --Hawaiian Music (Stuck here because I like Hawaiian music)
MSNBC Complete Iraq War Coverage -- Map shut down April 17; coverage continues

Miscellaneous Korean Links:

U.S. Embassy in Seoul -- News/schedule of events. Highly informative.

Korea National Parks
Korea National Tourist Organization

North Korea Crisis Links:

North Korea -- CIA World Fact Book-Basic overview of national statistics.

South Korea -- CIA World Fact Book-Basic overview of national statistics.

North Korea A Country Study -- Country Studies-Provides detailed but somewhat dated information on history, culture, security, and economy.

South Korea A Country Study -- Country Studies-Provides detailed but somewhat dated information on history, culture, security, and economy.

North Korea's Military Strategy -- Basic Background on the Military Situation. US Army War College Article describing north Korea's military goals and strategy. PDF

New Nation.com: North Korea -- (Registration Required) Reports on North Korea

North Korea Military Guide - Global Security Web site section on north Korea's military

The Republic of Korea Approaches the Future -US Military document on the Republic of Korea's current security situation. PDF

US Marine North Korea Country Handbook -Released under FOIA by DIA. Covers north Korean military in depth. PDF 5.5M File size

North Korea Special Weapons Guide - Background on the Nuclear Crisis. Federation of American Scientists web section on north Korean WMD.

Crisis on the Korean Peninsula: Implicatinos for U.S. Policy in Northeast Asia - Background on the Nuclear Crisis. Brookings conference on the nuclear crisis. PDF

Miscellaneous Military Links:


FAS -- Federation of American Scientists
FAS Site Index -- Index

• FAS Military Analysis Network Index -- All the information you want to know about military operations and equipment
  
• U.S. Military Operations -- History from the Revolutionary War to the Present
  
• U.S. Missiles -- Missile Specs
  
• U.S. Military Aircraft -- Aircraft Specs
  
• U.S. Aircraft Equipment -- Airborne, Ground, ECM, links to Smart-Dumb bombs
  
• U.S. Naval Equipment
  
• U.S. Land Weapon Systems -- Comprehensive listing
  
• Rest of the World Missile Systems -- OPFOR missile Info
  
• Rest of the World Aircraft -- OPFOR aircraft Info
• FAS Profile of Korea as American Arms Client
  
• FAS Profile on ROK NIS -- National Intelligence Service
  
• FAS Profile on ROK DSC -- Direct Commercial Sales

Miscellaneous Historical Links:

Korean War Project
Korean War Maps
Korean Air War
Golden Age Aviation

Korean Bases/Camps

US Forces in Korea

MILITARY FORCES IN KOREA:

• U.S. MILITARY FORCES IN KOREA:
  
  
  • Office of the Special Advisor to Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea [CINCUNC] (BAD)
    
    
  • UNITED NATIONS COMMAND -- The UNC, established on 24 July 1950, marked the first time in history that nations of the world united under the UN flag to repel aggression. The mission of UNC is to maintain the provisions of the Armistice Agreement, which resulted in the cessation of hostilities. The Military Armistice Commission, which supervises implementation of the Armistice, is composed of officers from the UNC, north Korea and China.
    
    
    
  • ROK-US COMBINED FORCES COMMAND -- CFC exercises operational control over Korean and American forces responsible for the defense of the Republic. Should our mutual policy of deterrence fail, Combined Forces Command would direct combat operations to defeat an enemy attack.
    
    • Combined Forces Command History
    
    
    
  • UNITED STATES FORCES KOREA -- A U.S. Army four-star general serves as commander-in-chief of the United Nations Command, the ROK/US Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea. USFK includes all U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, and Special Operations elements stationed in Korea. USFK headquarters is located on Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul.
    
    • USFK History
      
    • USFK Homepage
      
    • USFK HQ Offices
      
    • USFK Assigned Units
      
    • USFK Component Units
      
    • Units in Korea
      
    • USFK 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Website
      
    
    
    
  • U.S. AIR FORCE
    -- The mission of 7th Air Force is to plan and direct air component operations in the ROK. The 7th Air Force maintains readiness of more than 100 operational units and 10,000 personnel. 7th AF, headquartered at Osan Air Base, includes the 51st Fighter Wing, 554th RED HORSE Squadron, 607th Air Support Operations, Air Intelligence and Air Operations groups, and the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan AB.
    
  • Air Force: 7th Air Force, Osan Airbase
    
  • Air Force: 7th Air Force (Osan Airbase)
    
    • 5th Reconnaisance Squadron -- U-2
      
  • 51st FW (OS, "Charging Mustangs") (Osan Airbase)
    
    • 25th Fighter Squadron (green, "Assam Dragons") -- 20 - A-10
      
    • 36th Fighter Squadron (red/black, "Flying Fiends") -- 24 - F-16C/D Block 40
      
    • 55th ALF ("Double Nickel") - C-12Js
    • 51st FW Osan Airbase Homepage
      
  • Pyongtaek (Camp Humphreys/Osan AB)
    
  • 8th Fighter Wing (WP, "Wolfpack") (Kunsan AB)
    • 35th Fighter Squadron (blue, "Pantons") -- 24 - F-16C/D Block 30/40
      
    • 80th Fighter Squadron (yellow, "Juvats") -- 24 - F-16C/D Block 30
      
    • Kunsan Airbase Homepage
      
    
    

  Of course, in the case of a war in Korea, the USAF would almost certainly make use of Japan-based units.
  
  

  • 5th Air Force, Yokota AB, Japan
  • 18th W (ZZ), Kadena AB
    • - 12th FS (yellow, "Dirty Dozen") F-15C/D
    • - 33rd RQS HH-60G
    • - 44th FS (blue, "Vampires") F-15C/D
    • - 67th FS (red, "Fighting Cocks") F-15C/D
    • - 909th ARS (white) KC-135R
    • - 961st AACS (orange) E-3C Block 30
    
    
    
  • 35th FW (WW), Misawa AB
    • - 13th FS (red, "Panthers") F-16C/D Block 50
    • - 14th FS (yellow, "Samurai") F-16C/D Block 50
    
    
    
  • 374th AW (YJ), Yokota AB
    • - 30th AS C-9A
    • - 36th AS (red, "Eagle Airlifters") C-130E/H
    • - 459th AS ("Orient Express") C-21A, UH-1N

  
  
  
• U.S. ARMY -- The largest element in Korea today is the 8th U.S. Army (EUSA), the core force of the United Nations Command during the Korean War. It has been in Korea since 1950. Major subordinate commands are the 2nd Infantry Division and the 19th Theater Army Area Command. 8th Army is headquartered on Yongsan, Seoul.
  
  • 8th United States Army, HQ: Seoul, Republic of Korea
    • 837th Transportation BN [599th TRANS Grp] (Pusan)
    • United Nations Command Security BN (Panmunjon JSA; Camp Bonifas; OP Ouellette: ROKA element makes up roughly 60 percent of the unit while the US Army makes up the remaining 40 percent of the 550 person unit,)
      • United Nations Command Security Battalion (EAJS) -- The UNC Security Battalion- Joint Security Area is composed of both ROK and U.S. military. The unit's mission include providing security in the JSA, manning Observation Post Ouellette in the Demilitarized Zone, and running the Panmunjom tour program. The unit is also responsible for the security and civil affairs of Tae Song Dong, the only Korean village within the Demilitarized Zone.
        
        
        

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    • 19th Military Police BN (CID)
    • Combat Support Coordination Team #1 (1st ROK Army (FROKA) HQ)
    • Combat Support Coordination Team #2 (Combined Forces Command HQ)
    • Combat Support Coordination Team #3 (3rd ROK Army (TROKA) HQ, Yong-in)
    • 8th US Army MWR Libraries Website -- On-line catalog
      

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    • 17th Aviation Brigade (EAAV) -- The 17th Aviation Brigade is headquartered in Yongsan with the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment at K-16; the 2nd Bn, 52nd Avn. Regt. at Camp Humphreys; and the 164th Air Traffic Services Group at Yongsan, and with elements located throughout the peninsula. From its inception in 1965, the soldiers of the 17th Avn Bde have performed with distinction in both peacetime and combat, while remaining as the "CUTTING EDGE" of freedom in the Republic. The 1st Bn, 52nd Avn. Regt. provides combat aviation support to USFK, ROK-US CFC and EUSA with UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and C-12 Huron fixed wing aircraft. The 2nd Bn, 52nd Avn. Regt. is the only unit in the Korean theater that provides medium lift support assets to USFK, CFC and EUSA, utilizing CH-47 Chinhook helicopters. The 164th ATS Gp provides air traffic services and Army Airspace Command and Control (A2C2) throughout the entire Korean theater in support of all Army aviation operations. (NOTE: Orbat also lists: 4-52 AVN (Attk), Camp Page, (disbanded?); and 6-52 AVN fixed wing aircraft)
      
      • 1st BN, 52nd Aviation Rgt (Theater-Rotation) -- UH-60A/C-12F (Headquarters at Camp Coiner and subordinate units at K-16, Camp Page and Camp Humphreys.) (NOTE: Orbat lists 4 companies of UH-60 helicopters at Camp Page)
      • 2nd BN, 52nd Aviation Rgt (Medium Helicopter) -- CH-47 (Camp Humphreys, Pyongtaek)
      • 164th Air Traffic Service Group

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    • 6th Cavalry Brigade (EABH) (Camp Humphreys, Pyongtaek) -- The mission of the 6th CAV Bde (Air Combat) is to conduct Attack Helicoper Operations as the reserve for the CINC CFC in support of his campaign plan. 6th CAV is headquartered at Camp Humphreys. The 1st and 3rd Squadrons consist of AH-64 Attack Helicopters and are located at Cps Eagle and Humphreys. The 1st Bn, 43rd Air Defense Artillery (PATRIOT) is attached to the Brigade and proudly defends the skies from battle positions across the peninsula. (NOTE: It was announced that the 35th ADA with PAC-3s would be added to the ROK at Kwangju and Osan in the future.)
      
      
      
      • 1st BN, 43 Air Defense Artillery Rgt -- Patriot (HHB - Suwon AB; Battery A - Suwon AB; Battery B - Suwon AB; Battery C - Osan AB; Battery D - Osan AB; Battery E - Kunsan AB; Battery F - Kunsan AB; 3rd MNT CO)
      • 1st Sq, 6th Cavalry Rgt (Attack) -- 24 - AH-64D (Camp Eagle, Wonju) (As of early 2001 there were 48 Apaches in South Korea. The third Korea-based unit of 24 craft [1st Battalion / 2nd Aviation Rgt] returned in late 2001 from the United States with an upgraded version of the attack helicopter. In the Korean theater, the three Apache battalions are dedicated to missions critical to the OPLAN: support of 2d Infantry Division operations (1-2 Aviation), and anti-special operations forces (anti-SOF) and deep attack operations (1-6 and 3-6 Cavalry). Although the DPRK Scud Belt is within range of Combined Forces Command (CFC) attack helicopters, it is highly unlikely that an attack helicopter battalion will be dedicated solely to Theater Missile Defense [TMD] operations due to prioritization. Given the combat power of these attack helicopter units and the criticality of their assigned missions, the likelihood that one of these essential missions will be replaced by TMD is exceedingly slim. In 2005, Camp Page closed and 1-2 Aviation with its 24 AH-64Ds were scheduled to rotate out of Korea permanently.)
      • 3rd Sq, 6th Cavalry (Attack) -- 24 - AH-64D (Camp Humphreys) (As of early 2001 there were 48 Apaches in South Korea. The third Korea-based unit of 24 craft [1st Battalion / 2nd Aviation Rgt] returned in late 2001 from the United States with an upgraded version of the attack helicopter. In the Korean theater, the three Apache battalions are dedicated to missions critical to the OPLAN: support of 2d Infantry Division operations (1-2 Aviation), and anti-special operations forces (anti-SOF) and deep attack operations (1-6 and 3-6 Cavalry). Although the DPRK Scud Belt is within range of Combined Forces Command (CFC) attack helicopters, it is highly unlikely that an attack helicopter battalion will be dedicated solely to Theater Missile Defense [TMD] operations due to prioritization. Given the combat power of these attack helicopter units and the criticality of their assigned missions, the likelihood that one of these essential missions will be replaced by TMD is exceedingly slim. In 2005, Camp Page closed and 1-2 Aviation with its 24 AH-64Ds were scheduled to rotate out of Korea permanently.)

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    • 175th Finance Command (FINCOM) (EAFC) -- 175th FINCOM in Yongsan provides appropriated and nonappropriated fund accounting services and finance support to soldiers, civilian employees and family members in theater, directs the overseas banking program, and provides staff finance and accounting policy advice and operational guidance.The Centralized Pay and Accounting DivIsion provides accounting, vendor pay, foreign national pay, and civilian pay customer services.
      
      
      
      • 175th Finance Command (Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul)

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    • 18th Medical Command (EMAC) -- The 18th MEDCOM's primary mission is to serve as the strategic link to the CONUS medical base and plan/coordinate US Army medical support at the operational and tactical levels through the early stages of conflict. The secondary mission is to provide theater level command and control of assigned and attached medical units conducting combat health support within the Korean theater. MEDCOM is headquartered in Yongsan with subordinate units located throughout Korea.
      
      • 18th Medical Command -- 106th Medical Det; 618th Dental Co; 121st General Hospital; 16th Medical Logistics BN; 168th Medical BN; 52nd Medical BN (Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul)
      • Driving Tips for Korea from the 18th Medical Command -- Advice on toll fees; Korea-wide gas station hours; emergency tips; etc.
      • 121st General Hospital (BAD)
      • Dept. of Nursing

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    • 501st Military Intelligence Brigade -- The 501st MI Bde is subordinate to the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command providing intelligence and security support to headquarters, EUSA. The brigade's mission is to provide combat information and multi-discipline intelligence to joint and combined warfighters. It is comprised of the brigade staff elements and four battalions with remote elements throughout Korea.
      
      
      
      • 501st Military IntelligenceBDE (Four battalions throughout Korea)

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    • 8th Military Police Brigade (EAPB) -- The 8th MP Brigade, headquartered in Yongsan, conducts wartime mission of area security, law and order, enemy prisoner of war and battlefield circulation control operations throughout the theater. The brigade supports the Commanders of USFK and EUSA with an uninterrupted flow of combat, combat support and combat service support resources to the combat zone. The 94th MP Bn in Yongsan commands and controls all non-divisional military police in the northern one-third of the ROK. The 728th MP Bn at Cp Henry, Taegu, commands and controls all combat support military police from Cp Humphreys to Cp Hialeah.
      
      
      
      • 8th Military Police BDE (Yongsan)
        • 94th Military Police BN (Yongsan)
        • 728th Military Police BN (Camp Walker, Taegu) (Units: 57th MP Company - Camp Carroll; 188th MP Company - Camp Walker; 552nd MP Company - Camp Hialeah)

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    • 8th Personnel Command (EAPC) -- The mission of 8th PERSCOM is to sustain personnel readiness and exercise command and control over assigned theater-level personnel units. The theater PERSCOM manages critical personnel systems and synchronizes personnel network operations throughout the theater.The command is headquartered in Yongsan with subordinate units located throughout Korea. The 516th PSB is headquartered in Yongsan with detachments located at Cp Humphreys and Cp Henry. Also, the 516th PSB, Delta Co, is responsible for controlling all incoming mail to Korea. Postal platoons are located in Yongsan, Kimpo Airport, Cp Humphreys and Cp Henry. The 1st Replacement Company, located in Yongsan, is responsible for controlling and processing all incoming soldiers entering Korea. The EUSA Band in Yongsan, performs throughout the Korea. The 509th PSB at Cp Casey has subordinate unit, the 19th AG Company (Postal) with platoons located at Camp Casey and Camp Red Cloud.
      
      
      
      • 1st Replacement Co
      • 509th Personnel Service BN (Camp Casey)
      • 516th Personnel Service BN (Camp Humphreys/Camp Henry)

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    • 1st Signal Brigade -- The 1st Sig Bde is headquartered in Yongsan with units throughtout Korea. 1st Sig Bde provides strategic and tactical communications, and information management to USFK and component command headquarters in the ROK. They provide mobile tactical communications, fixed tactical voice and wide area networking, message center and tactical data communications, satellite communications and contingency restoral of Defense Communications System circuits, long-haul, inter-nodal connectivity bwetween geographically dispersed sites. 1st Sig Bde operates and maintain all AFKN TV, FM and AM radio transmission facilities.
      
      
      
      • 36th Signal BN (Camp Walker)
      • 41st Signal BN (Camp Coiner)
      • 304th Signal BN (Camp Colbern)
      • 307th Signal BN (Camp Caroll)

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  • 19th Theater Army Area Command (ENAC) -- 19th TAACOM is the logistic support arm of 8th Army with the mission of sustaining combat power throughout the peninsula. It's also responsible for the operations and support of the 82 Army installations in Korea. Its headquarters is located on Camp Henry in Taegu, with subordinate commands located in each of the Army's four areas of operation on the peninsula.
    
    • Camps by Area
      
    • 25th Transportation BN (Yongsan; Taegu)
      
    • Special Troop BN (Camp Humphreys)
      
    • Area 1 Support Activity (Camp Red Cloud)
      
    • Area 3 Support Activity (Pyongtaek: support mission for Camps Humphreys, Long, and Eagle and Army units assigned to Suwon and Kunsan Air Bases)
      
    • 20th Area Support Group (Camp Henry)
      
      • 20th Area Support Group (Camp Henry)
      • 23rd Chem BN (Camp Carroll)
    • 4th Quartermaster BN
      
      • 6th Ordnance BN (Camp Carroll)
      • 194th Maintenance BN (Camp Humphreys; Wonju)
    • 34th Area Support Group (Yongsan)
      
    • 501st Corps Support Group (Camp Red Cloud)
      
      • 498th Corps Support BN (Camp Red Cloud)
        
    • Material Support Center, Korea (Camp Carroll, Waegwan) Official Homepage
      

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  • 2nd Infantry Division (EAID) -- The 2ID is the major U.S. ground combat unit in Korea. The Division's headquarters is located at Camp Red Cloud, Uijongbu, and its primary mission is to deter war on the Korean peninsula by maintaining a high state of combat readiness and vigilance. 2ID units "SECOND TO NONE" stand shoulder-to-shoulder with first-echelon Korean units immediately south of the DMZ. (Go to Army: 2d Infantry Division Web Site .)
    
    
    
    • 2nd Infantry Division ("Indianhead"), (Camp Red Cloud, Uijongbu)
      • Delta Battery, 5th BN, 5th Air Defense Artillery -- Avenger - Bradley Stinger (HHB; Camp Stanley, ROK (HHB, D Battery: Avenger) Camp Hovey (B Battery: Stinger); Camp Casey (C Battery: Stinger?); Fort Lewis, WA (C Battery: ??? Part of 3d Bde, 2d ID)) (NOTE: Orbat states "5-5 ADA Camp Stanley, Uijongbu, MIM-23B Hawk or PAC-2/3 Patriot?" Source: unknown)
        
      • 102nd Military Intelligence BN (Camp Essayons)
        
      • 122s Signal BN (Camp Red Cloud)
        
    • 1st BDE, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Casey, Tongduchon-Ni)
      
      • 1st BN, 72nd Armor Rgt -- 58 - M1A1 MBT (Camp Casey)
        
      • 2nd BN, 72nd Armor Rgt -- 58 - M1A1 MBT (Camp Casey)
        
      • 2nd BN, 9th Infantry Rgt (MECH) -- 58 - M2A3 BFV (Camp Casey)
        
    • 2nd BDE, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Hovey, Tongduchon-Ni) -- In Feb 2004, 2nd Bde moved into its new command center, touting it as a kind of above-ground bunker -- with blast-proof doors and windows. The two-story, 12,000-squarefoot building allows the brigade's command staff to finally gather under one roof. The $2.3 million project began in March 2002, with most construction completed by October 2002. Funding came from Congress. In Jun 2004, the 2d Bde was flagged for permanently departure from the ROK due to the ROK failure to deliver on its promise of 3,600 troops for Iraq. Departure was slated for August 2004, but details of exact mix unknown. The 2nd Bde is known as a "mixed brigade" with 2 light infantry air assault battalions (1-503 INF (L), Camp Casey, Co. C Cp Hovey, and 1-506 INF (L), Camp Greaves (to be returned to ROK under LPP in Nov 2004) and 1 mechanized battalion with 58 M2A3 Bradley (1-9 INF (M)).
      
      • 1st BN, 503rd Infantry Rgt (Air Assault) -- 58 - M1A1 MBT (Camp Casey) (DEPLOYED TO IRAQ. REMOVED FROM USFK IN AUG 2004)
        
      • 1st BN, 506th Infantry Rgt (Air Assault) -- 58 - M1A1 MBT (Camp Greaves) (NOTE: Camp Greaves, 1.5 miles from DMZ, to be returned to ROK under LPP in November 2004) (DEPLOYED TO IRAQ. REMOVED FROM USFK IN AUG 2004)
        
      • 1st BN, 9th Infantry Rgt (MECH) -- 58 - M2A2 BFV (Camp Hovey) (DEPLOYED TO IRAQ. REMOVED FROM USFK IN AUG 2004)
        
    • DIVARTY, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Stanley) - Divisional Artillery, (NOTE: Orbat also lists 1-37 FA, Fort Lewis with 18 M109A6 SPA 155mm: A-38 FA; F-26 FA)
      
      • 1st BN, 15th Field Artillery -- 24 - M109A6 (Camp Casey) (NOTE: Orbat gives 18 M109A6 SPA 155mm)
        
      • 2st BN, 17th Field Artillery -- 24 - M109A6 (Camp Hovey) (NOTE: Orbat gives 18 M109A6 SPA 155mm) (DEPLOYED TO IRAQ. REMOVED FROM USFK IN AUG 2004)
        
      • 6th BN, 37th Field Artillery -- 18 - M270 MLRS (Camp Stanley)
        
      • 1st BN, 38th Field Artillery -- 18 - M270 MLRS (Camp Stanley) (Created 2001)
        
    • Aviation BDE, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Stanley, Uijongbu)
      
      • 1st BN, 2nd Aviation Rgt (Attack) -- 24 - AH-64D Apache attack helicopters (Camp Page, Chunchon City) (As of early 2001 there were 48 Apaches in South Korea. The third Korea-based unit of 24 craft [1st Battalion / 2nd Aviation Rgt] returned in late 2001 from the United States with an upgraded version of the attack helicopter. In the Korean theater, the three Apache battalions are dedicated to missions critical to the OPLAN: support of 2d Infantry Division operations (1-2 Aviation), and anti-special operations forces (anti-SOF) and deep attack operations (1-6 and 3-6 Cavalry). Although the DPRK Scud Belt is within range of Combined Forces Command (CFC) attack helicopters, it is highly unlikely that an attack helicopter battalion will be dedicated solely to Theater Missile Defense [TMD] operations due to prioritization. Given the combat power of these attack helicopter units and the criticality of their assigned missions, the likelihood that one of these essential missions will be replaced by TMD is exceedingly slim. In 2005, Camp Page closed and 1-2 Aviation with its 24 AH-64Ds were scheduled to rotate out of Korea permanently.)
        
      • 2nd BN, 2nd Aviation Rgt (Assault) -- 58 - UH-60L (Camp Stanley, Uijongbu) (NOTE: Orbat lists 24 UH-60 helicopters)
        
      • 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry -- 27 - M1A1 MBT; 41 - M3A2 BFV; 6 - M1064; 16 - OH-58D (Camp Gary Owen, Munsan (Gnd) ; Camp Stanton, Tonggo-ri City (Air)) (NOTE: Orbat lists: 43 M3 CFV, 27 M1A1 MBT, 6 M106 SPM, 16 OH-58D)
        
    • Engineer BDE, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Howze, Hongilchon) (NOTE: Orbat also lists: 50th Engineer Company, Cp LaGuardia, Uijongbu; 2 Engineer Coy (CSE), Cp Edwards, Kumchon)
      
      • 2nd Engineer BN (Camp Castle, Tongduchon) -- Combat Engineers
        
      • 44th Engineer BN (Combat) (Camp Howze, Hongilchon) -- Combat Heavy Engineers
        
    • DISCOM, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Casey)
      
      • 2nd Forward Support BN (Camp Hovey)
        
      • 302nd Forward Support BN (Camp Casey)
        
      • 602nd Area Support BN (Camp Stanley)
        
      • 702nd Main Support BN (Camp Casey; Camp Nimble (A Co /B Co); Camp Mobile (E Co))
        

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• US MARINE FORCES KOREA (USMARFOR-K) -- U.S. Marine Corps-Korea plans and directs Marine Corps operations in support of USFK/CFC in the Republic of Korea. MARFOR-K is headquartered in Yongsan, Seoul.
  
  • Marine Forces Korea
  
  
  

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• US SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND KOREA (SOCKOR) -- SOC-KOR is the special operations component command for USFK/CFC. SOC-KOR brings Army, Navy and Air Force special operations forces into the Korean Theater of Operations for the war fighting CinC. SOC-KOR is headquartered at Camp Kim, Seoul, with subordinate units located across the peninsula.
  
  • Special Operations Command Korea
    
    • Echo Co, 160th SOAR MH-47E (Taegu)
      
  
  
  

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  • Special Operations Theater Support Element: -- The SOTSE is a forward deployed logistics planning and coordination element for U.S. Army Special Operations Support Command, Ft. Bragg, NC. The SOTSE ensures logistic support is planned and executed for U.S. Army Special Operations Forces deploying into the Korean Theater of Operations. The SOTSE is headquartered at Camp Coiner, Seoul.
    
    
    

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  • Special Forces Detachment-Korea: -- Special Forces Detachment-Korea serves as liaison between the Korean Special Forces and the U.S. military here on the peninsula. Det-K's operations range the entire Korean peninsula and involve all branchs of the U.S. and ROK military. Det-K is headquartered in Songnam, with subordinate LNOs located with each of the ROK Special Forces Brigades.
    
    
    

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• 129th Medical Detachment: : -- Clinics of the 129th Med Det (VM) at Yongsan and Cp Walker along with elements of the 106th Med Det (VS), provides comprehensive veterinary medical treatment for your pets throughout Korea. The 106th has clinics at Cp Red Cloud, Osan AB and Cp Hiahlea. The Yongsan Veterinary Treatment Facility serves as the medical and surgical referral center for the peninsula, though outlying facilities are equipped to handle many clinical procedures.
  
  

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• Joint U.S. Military Affairs Group-Korea: -- The Joint U.S. Military Affairs Group-Korea assists Republic of Korea armed forces in management, logistics and organization. JUSMAG-K also offers guidance in the establishment of industrial and commercial agencies directly related to national defense. JUSMAG-K is headquartered in Yongsan, Seoul.
  
  
  

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• Logistic Support Element Far East: -- The LSE Far East's mission is to enhance warfighting weapons system readiness in forward-based and deploying units in Korea and the Pacific Rim. The Command is headquartered at Camp Market, with subordinate Logistic Assistance Offices at: Camps Casey, Red Cloud, Henry, Humphreys, Carroll, Long, Page, Stanley and Eagle.
  
  
  

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• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District: -- The Far East Engineer District is the Department of Defense Design and Construction Agent for Korea. The district is headquartered in Seoul with offices throughout the peninsula. During its forty years of existence in Korea, the Far East Engineer District has "Built for Peace!"
  
  • US Army Contracting Command - Korea (EAKC)
    
  
  
  

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• U.S. NAVY -- CNFK is the Navy regional coordinator for the ROK. It provides U.S. Navy expertise to Joint, and Combined Commands for plans, policy, and sustainment ashore of Naval forces in defense of the ROK. It also provides liaison in armistice and wartime to U.S. and ROK Naval forces afloat. Its headquarters is on Yongsan with detachments in Chinhae and Pohang.
  
  • US Naval Forces Korea (USNFK)
    
    • Navy: Fleet Activities Chinhae -- Fleet Activities Chinhae and its 12 tenant activities provide services and materials to units of the Operating Forces of the U.S. Navy. The command coordinates and arranges port services and other support to visiting U.S. Seventh Fleet units.
      
  • United States Forces Korea
  
  
  

• SOUTH KOREA MILITARY:
  
  • Korean National Statistical Organization (NSO) -- Key statistics on Korea
    
  • South Korea facts
    
  • CIA Fact book on South Korea
    

• NORTH KOREA MILITARY:
  
  • North Korea New Service
    
  • North Korean Special Weapons Guide: FAS
    
  • CIA Fact book on North Korea
  • About North Korea

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NOTICE/DISCLAIMER: The content of this page is unofficial and the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of anyone associated with this page or any of those linked from this site. All opinions are those of the writer and are intended for entertainment purposes only. Links to other web pages are provided for convenience and do not, in any way, constitute an endorsement of the linked pages or any commercial or private issues or products presented there. Neither the DOD, the Air Force, the 8th Fighter Wing nor Mickey Mouse has endorsed any of this site. All Air Force links are publicly accessible through the worldwide web. If there is any discrepancy between eye-witness accounts and OFFICIAL DOD records, this site opts to lend credence to the eye-witness views.

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