OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea --Soldiers assigned to 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Dragons, participated in Max Thunder '16, April 18-26, 2016 at locations across the Korean Peninsula, incorporating the Patriot Missile System's enhanced air-breathing threat capabilities into the Korean Theater of Operations Joint Integrated Air Defense System.
The Dragon Brigade's Air Defense Artillery Fire Control section at Osan Air Base played an integral piece in the exercise as they coordinated a clear and accurate air picture with their Seventh Air Force counterparts and relayed fire control data to 2nd Battalion, 1st ADA Regiment's Information Coordination Central unit at Camp Carroll.
"Our participation in the Joint/Combined exercise Max Thunder proved our ability to transition into an air-breathing threat mission focus through the Joint Integrated Air Defense System," 35th ADA Brigade Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer, 1st Lt. Katrina Muchmore, said. "This provided us a unique opportunity to validate the Joint Kill Chain, conduct simulated ABT engagements via a live air trainer, and validate our link architecture within the Korean Theater of Operations."
The exercise featured approximately 1,000 U.S. personnel operating out of Kunsan Air Base which included U.S. Air Force F-16s, F-15s, E-3, E-8 and C-130 aircraft, U.S. Marine Corps F-18s and EF18G aircraft from the U.S. Navy. The Republic of Korea Air Force also contributed 640 personnel with 10 different air frames.
A Battery, 2-1 ADA is permanently stationed at Kunsan Air Base and works hand in hand with the U.S. Air Force's Eighth Fighter Wing on a daily basis. During Max Thunder, A Battery was also asked to join this robust Air Force centric exercise.
"A Battery's mission was to provide a real time live air picture so our higher headquarters could work 'track' deconfliction with their Air Force counterparts," A Battery, 2-1 ADA Commander, Capt. Jessica Bohache, said. "Additionally, A Battery integrated a liaison officer into the Eighth Fighter Wing command post to field Patriot specific questions to help achieve a shared understanding of our role at Kunsan."
Max Thunder is part of a continuous exercise program to enhance interoperability between U.S. and ROK forces. These exercises highlight the longstanding military partnership, commitment and enduring friendship between the two nations.
"Every year, Max Thunder serves as an excellent opportunity for U.S. and ROKAF fighter pilots to train side-by-side and gain valuable experience they will need if the Korea Air Power Team is required to go into aerial combat together," said Lt. Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, Seventh Air Force commander. "The U.S. commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea is ironclad. U.S. military aircraft come to Korea from across the Pacific to participate in this exercise, making a tremendous display of the capabilities the U.S. brings to this alliance."
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