Photo By Tech. Sgt. Nick Wilson | Members of the 607th Security Forces Squadron use Google Maps to identify force...... read more read more
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The ROK-United States Combined Forces Command announced the end of Key Resolve 2016 here, March 17.
Key Resolve is a defense oriented annual training event designed to defend the Republic of Korea and enhance the readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.
"It was a robust exercise directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff," said Lt. Col. Brian Servant, A9 director and lead planner for Key Resolve. “It provided a realistic training opportunity for Airmen to perfect their skills in the command and control of air power.”
More than 600 augmentees from around the world were sent to Osan Air Base and several other collocating bases throughout the peninsula in support of this exercise.
"US and ROK Air Force personnel worked alongside soldiers, sailors, and marines to build the Air Operations Directive and Master Air Attack Plan, execute it on the Combat Operations Floor, and provide intelligence and analysis on the results. Our efforts enabled us to provide critical air support for our ground and naval components," said Col. James Bortree, 607th Air Operations Center commander. "A key aspect to the Korean Peninsula’s defense is the Airpower Team we have built, which includes our overseas allies."
The combined nature of the exercise demonstrates not only the Alliance’s resolve, but also America’s loyalty and commitment to the people of Korea.
"We have to prepare our service members and allies to respond to the real thing," said Brig. Gen. (ret.) Barry Barksdale, senior air controller.
As a senior air controller, Barksdale oversaw exercise and white cell operations. His primary role was to ensure the most accurate, realistic training was provided to the combined Air Component warfighters, specifically in the air operations center and AF Forces Staff with an advanced, integrated network of models.
Barksdale has more than 40 years of experience as a recognized expert in the field of command and control and employment of air assets.
"I think we also need to use all the real world processes and systems to the maximum extent possible," Barksdale added. "The only difference is that we’re training our Airmen by simulation."
The simulation of events gave all factions of Air Component Command the opportunity to practice scenarios that could occur during real world contingencies.
"It was challenging because we recreated what it would be like if it was a 'fight tonight' no-notice initiation in response to hostilities, which is very difficult to replicate," Barksdale said. "Because it’s a very demanding exercise, we’re all tired from the long shifts."
Although the re-creation of events is based on realistic scenarios, Key Resolve does not reflect any real-world situation or crisis. The exercise demonstrated Alliance commitment to the defense of the ROK through combined and joint training.
"The U.S. and ROK are working side by side. What I’ve seen from start to finish, was an incredible amount of teamwork, enthusiasm and dedication," Servant said. "Every time I’ve had the opportunity to watch the integration take place, it’s been seamless."
There were also five United Nations Sending States that participated in KR16. They include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, and Great Britain. United Nation Command Sending State participation in Key Resolve builds the relationships and capabilities necessary to ensure the Alliance is prepared to defend the ROK.
"The United States and the ROK are partners under the United Nations guidelines," Barksdale said. "In today's world, the partnerships and the treaties we have are key to having a stable environment that deters nations and states from terrorizing acts of hostility and aggression."
In addition to Sending State augmentees and rotational forces that are typically stationed at a base in Korea for 1 to 2 years, there are several ROKAF civilians who played a key role in the exercise.
"There’s an interesting dynamic between service members and the civilian contractors who have been supporting these exercises for decades," said Lt. Col. Joann Frank, Seventh Air Force director of A9 plans, programs and analysis. "It's interesting to see the passion and excitement they have to execute, whether it is their first or 21st exercise on the peninsula."
Overall, as a combined force the U.S., ROK and Sending States demonstrated that they could work together in coordination and synchronization to execute the overall objectives in a timely and objective manner, Frank added.
"As we train together, side by side, the US and ROK team learns to function as one, maximizing each nation's unique capabilities while building and reinforcing shared trust and understanding," Bortree said. "Our integrated and dedicated team performed incredibly well. The ROK and US Airpower Team stationed here in Korea, and our overseas augmentees that joined us from across the world, highlighted their dedication to the mission. A solid plan resulted in a rapid spin up and solid finish to KR 16."
Along with being prepared to defend the ROK as a combined force, Key Resolve also highlights the longstanding partnership and friendship between two nations and their combined commitment to the defense of the ROK and regional stability.
"I couldn’t be more impressed with what I’ve seen from our ROK counterparts, Sending States, U.S. military members and civilians throughout the execution of Key Resolve," Servant said. "To me, this demonstrates that our dedication to the defense of the ROK is as strong as it has ever been."
Along with being the lead planner for KR16, Servant also facilitated coordination with the AFFOR staff, several agencies at the Pacific Air Forces major command headquarters, the 51st Fighter Wing and many other organizations off of the peninsula to make the exercise a success.
"Everything I’ve done with the ROKAF has been very professional and rewarding," Servant said. "What I’ve learned the most is that they are very dedicated to the mission, very professional and they take pride in everything they do."
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.18.2016 20:30 |
| Story ID: | 195720 |
| Location: | OSAN AIR BASE, KR |
| Web Views: | 295 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Air Component Command wraps up KR16, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT