The Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force concluded the two-week combat search and rescue Exercise Pacific Thunder at Osan AB, Korea, on Oct. 23. “This exercise helps us bring together assets who would be involved and integrated into a real world CSAR mission,” said Capt. Jerrod Dillon, 25th Fighter Squadron flight safety officer, in a release. “It also gives US forces a chance to integrate and execute with our ROKAF counterparts, further building the combined force proficiency and readiness,” he added. A-10s from Osan’s 25th FS integrated with HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters from the 33rd Rescue Squadron from Kadena AB, Japan, as well as marine EA-6B electronic warfare aircraft and ROKAF air assets.
A three-month continuing resolution that ended in December inflicted less pain on the Department of the Air Force than it had expected, as procurement and construction continue in the new year. The federal government operated under a stopgap spending measure that stretched from the beginning of the fiscal year on…