USAF's Mustang and Wolf Pack units lead the way for a Super Squadron

As REFORPAC concludes, USAF's Pacific Air Command (PACAF) Seventh Air Force Super Squadron Phase I test, under supervision of the 51st Fighter Wing "Mustangs", continues.

The establishment of a Super Squadron is an outgrowth of the PACAF 2030 strategy initiative, which was issued in late 2023. For now, and optimising combat capabilities, PACAF's Super Squadron test is a temporary movement of F-16C/D Fighting Falcon aircraft and personnel within the Republic of Korea, from Kunsan Air Base to Osan Air Base, to test and validate the concept of a Super Squadron’s ability to improve sortie generation, training, and readiness while reducing manpower and logistics support requirements.

Phase II, which will start during October 2025, will see a second Super Squadron of F-16s being erected by transferring more F-16s from Kunsan to Osan. The first Fully Operationally Capable (FOC) Super Squadron is the resident 36th Fighter Squadron "Flying Fiends" at Osan. The second squadron will be made out from Kunsan's 35th Fighter Squadron "Pantons" and 80th Fighter Squadron "Juvats".

While the A-10C Thunderbolt IIs will imminently vacate Osan, it is expected that the Super Squadrons, which will eventually have around 32 Fighting Falcons in their squadron inventory at Osan, will coexist next to each other carrying the OS and WP tailcodes.

Although the test is temporary, it is expected that in the future the Super Squadrons will last. Also, the USAF is not planning to close Kunsan. No decision has been made yet, but the 8th Fighter Wing will continue to operate as a primary exercise and rotational force bed-down location for US air component forces in the Republic of Korea, maintaining active flightline operations and facilities.

Credit photos: USAF