Osan Air Base: Difference between revisions
mNo edit summary |
→Cold War: edited and expanded |
||
| Line 98: | Line 98: | ||
With the Armistice Agreement signed on July 27, 1953, the 18th FBW remained at Osan-Ni AB for defensive purposes until November 1954. Meanwhile, plans called for HQ Fifth Air Force (Advance) to move from Seoul National University to Yongsan Garrison in Seoul. This plan was changed, and in January 1954, the headquarters relocated to Osan-Ni AB, and established the base as the major hub of operations for U.S. air power in the ROK. |
With the Armistice Agreement signed on July 27, 1953, the 18th FBW remained at Osan-Ni AB for defensive purposes until November 1954. Meanwhile, plans called for HQ Fifth Air Force (Advance) to move from Seoul National University to Yongsan Garrison in Seoul. This plan was changed, and in January 1954, the headquarters relocated to Osan-Ni AB, and established the base as the major hub of operations for U.S. air power in the ROK. |
||
As the Armistice took hold, the U.S. Air Force redeployed all but one tactical fighter wing from the peninsula, and in November 1954, the '''314th Air Division''' replaced Fifth Air Force's advanced headquarters at Osan-Ni AB. The '''58th Fighter-Bomber Wing''' moved from Taegu AB to Osan-Ni AB in March 1955, and became the only permanently-assigned tactical fighter wing on the peninsula. On September 18, 1956, the base was redesignated Osan AB--its current name |
As the Armistice took hold, the U.S. Air Force redeployed all but one tactical fighter wing from the peninsula, and in November 1954, the '''314th Air Division''' replaced Fifth Air Force's advanced headquarters at Osan-Ni AB. The '''58th Fighter-Bomber Wing''' moved from Taegu AB to Osan-Ni AB in March 1955, and became the only permanently-assigned tactical fighter wing on the peninsula. On September 18, 1956, the base was redesignated Osan AB--its current name. |
||
In July 1958, the U.S. Air Force inactivated the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing. At this time, the Eisenhower Administration promulgated a nuclear deterrence strategy. Osan AB thus became the main base of operations for air-to-ground [[MGM-1 Matador|Matador tactical missiles]] when the 310th Tactical Missile Squadron and 58th Support Squadron were activated under the '''58th Tactical Missile Group'''. |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
Concurrently, Fifth Air Force complemented this strategy by instituting rotational deployments of fighter aircraft units to Osan and Kunsan ABs from its Far East bases and the U.S. to bolster the defense of the Republic of Korea as it steadily trained and equipped the ROK Air Force. Although the Matador missiles were relocated in 1962, fighter deployments continued throughout the 1960s. |
|||
| ⚫ | Other than a major reconstruction of the runway in 1959, the base still retained its Korean War-vintage facilities and infrastructure. There was no money spent on improving the facilities. Besides the new focus was on Cuba with the Missile Crisis and Europe in the new Cold War flare up. Korea was forgotten. |
||
On base the barracks were still the corrugated iron barracks of the Korean War and the base simply stagnated with the 6314th Air Base Wing in charge of not only Osan, but also Kunsan as well.This condition changed modestly beginning in 1968. |
|||
Starting in Sep 1964, Osan AB was supported by the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), 36th Air Rescue Service (ARS), Detachment 4. The unit flew the HH-43B Huskie which was dubbed "Pedro." Two HH-43B Pedros were assigned to Osan AB -- aircraft 60-251 and 60-252 as of Sep 64. Assigned under the under the Air Rescue Service (ARS) based in the Pacific Air Force (PACAF) region. The MATS, 36th ARS, Det 4 became Provisional Air Rescue Component (PARC), Det 9 on 25 July 1965 and remained with this designator until 08 Jan 1966. |
|||
The MATS changed to the Military Airlift Command (MAC) in 1969. On Dec 1969, the designator changed to MAC, PARRC, Det 4. The unit designator of MAC, 41st ARRW (Air Rescue and Recovery Wing), Det 9 which it maintained from 08 Feb 1969 - 01 Jun 70. The 47th ARRS was activated at Fuchu AB, Japan. In Jun 1970, the unit changed to the MAC, 41 ARRW, 47 ARRS, DET.9. |
|||
In Jan 71 the 47th ARRS, Det.9 was released from their requirement to maintain alert at Suwon AB. On 1 Jul 71, the 47th ARRS was deactivated. The unit was reassigned from the 47th ARRS, Det 9 on 01 Jul 71 and became the MAC, 41 ARRW, 33 ARRS, Det 1. In 1971, all HH-43Bs were modified to HH-43Fs. The unit flew 2 HH-43F helicopters. It remained under this designator until 1974 when the unit was deactivated. |
|||
==== Pueblo Crisis ==== |
==== Pueblo Crisis ==== |
||
Revision as of 16:21, 24 July 2007
Template:Airport frame Template:Airport title Template:Airport image
Template:Airport infobox Template:Runway title Template:Runway
Osan Air Base (K-55), is a United States Air Force facility located 4.7 mi SW of Osan-Ni, 40 mi S of Seoul, South Korea. The base is the home of the Pacific Air Forces 51st Fighter Wing, and a number of tenant units, including the headquarters for Seventh Air Force. There is also a large ROK Air Force presence on the base.
As the most forward deployed permanently-based wing in the Air Force, and equipped with A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons, the 51st Fighter Wing is charged with executing combat operations, receiving follow-on forces and defending the base from attack. As the air component to U.S. Forces Korea and Combined Forces Command, 7th Air Force provides the command and control structures and personnel necessary to deliver precise, persistent, combined air and space power in defense of the Republic of Korea.
Osan Air Base is one of two major Air Force installations operated by the United States in Korea, the other being Kunsan Air Base.
Units
Major units at Osan Air Base are:
|
|
History
Base Operating Units
- 841st Engr Avn Bn (June - December 1952)
- 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing (December 1952 - November 1954)
- 6171st Air Base Wing (November 1954 - March 1955)
- 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing (March 1955 - November 1957)
- 6314th Air Base Wing (November 1957 - July 1961)
- 6316th Air Base Group (July 1961 - July 1964)
- 6314th Support Wing (July 1964 - November 1971)
- 51st Fighter Wing (November 1971 - Present)
Major USAF Units Assigned
- 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing (December 1952 - November 1954)
- 30th Weather Squadron (January 1954 - May 1957)*
- Fifth Air Force (January - September 1954)
- 314th Air Division (March 1955 - November 1978, April 1979 - September 1986)
- 335th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (Feburary 1955)**
- 334th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (March 1955)**
- 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing (March 1955 - July 1958)
- 58th Tactical Missile Group (July 1958 - March 1962)
- 51st Fighter Wing (November 1971 - Present)
- Seventh Air Force (Sepember 1986 - Present)
.* Detached from the 2143d Air Weather Wing based at Tageu AB (K-2), South Korea
.** Detatched from the 4th Fighter-Bomber Wing based at Chitose AB, Japan.
Kunsan has provided support for F-51D Mustang, F-86 Sabre, F-84 Thunderjet, F-4 Phantom II, F-106 Delta Dart, OV-10 Bronco, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon operations.
Operational History
Korean War
Osan Air Base is one of two major airfields operated by the U.S. Air Force in the Republic of Korea and the only base on the peninsula entirely planned and built by the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
Osan AB also was the site of the "Battle of Bayonet Hill" on Feburary 7, 1951, on and around Hill 180 where the Air Component Command's Hardened Tactical Air Control Center and the headquarters of the 51st Fighter Wing are currently located. The battle took place during the U.S. Eighth Army's Operation Thunderbolt. Capt. Lewis Millet led a bayonet charge of his "Easy" company of soldiers from the 27th Infantry Division up the hill against an unknown number of Chinese Communist Forces (CCF) ensconced on its crest. "Easy" Company routed the CCF, and Captain Millett received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Subsequent to the battle, the CCF were driven back north of the 38th parallel, and resulted in the return of Fifth Air Force tactical fighter units to peninsula. Aviation engineers, meanwhile, surveyed locations in the ROK to build an air base capable of supporting jet fighters. They decided upon the area southwest of Osan-Ni. Established in November 1951, the base originally was named Osan-Ni AB (and still referred to by its "K-55" airfield designation from the Korean War). The name "Osan-Ni" was chosen for practical reasons--it was the only village shown on most military maps of the time, and it was easy to pronounce.
Aviation engineers began construction of base support facilities and infrastructure early in 1952. On July 9, 1952, engineers started work to lay the airfield's runway, taxiway and parking ramps. Monsoon-type rains, though, impeded initial efforts to fill the rice paddies and begin airfield construction. The delay forced engineers to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning in August. Three engineer aviation battalions were assigned the task of building Osan - the 839th, 840th, and 841st EABs. They completed laying a 9,000-foot, 8-inch thick concrete runway in 2½ months. With the taxiway also completed, and parking ramps nearing completion, the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing and one of its F-51 combat squadrons arrived on December 26, 1952. With the wing's other two squadrons arriving shortly thereafter, the wing converted to the F-86F.
In February 1953, the 18th FBW began flying air superiority missions from Osan-Ni AB which continued through the remainder of the Korean War.
Cold War
With the Armistice Agreement signed on July 27, 1953, the 18th FBW remained at Osan-Ni AB for defensive purposes until November 1954. Meanwhile, plans called for HQ Fifth Air Force (Advance) to move from Seoul National University to Yongsan Garrison in Seoul. This plan was changed, and in January 1954, the headquarters relocated to Osan-Ni AB, and established the base as the major hub of operations for U.S. air power in the ROK.
As the Armistice took hold, the U.S. Air Force redeployed all but one tactical fighter wing from the peninsula, and in November 1954, the 314th Air Division replaced Fifth Air Force's advanced headquarters at Osan-Ni AB. The 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing moved from Taegu AB to Osan-Ni AB in March 1955, and became the only permanently-assigned tactical fighter wing on the peninsula. On September 18, 1956, the base was redesignated Osan AB--its current name.
In July 1958, the U.S. Air Force inactivated the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing. At this time, the Eisenhower Administration promulgated a nuclear deterrence strategy. Osan AB thus became the main base of operations for air-to-ground Matador tactical missiles when the 310th Tactical Missile Squadron and 58th Support Squadron were activated under the 58th Tactical Missile Group.
Concurrently, Fifth Air Force complemented this strategy by instituting rotational deployments of fighter aircraft units to Osan and Kunsan ABs from its Far East bases and the U.S. to bolster the defense of the Republic of Korea as it steadily trained and equipped the ROK Air Force. Although the Matador missiles were relocated in 1962, fighter deployments continued throughout the 1960s.
Other than a major reconstruction of the runway in 1959, the base still retained its Korean War-vintage facilities and infrastructure. There was no money spent on improving the facilities. Besides the new focus was on Cuba with the Missile Crisis and Europe in the new Cold War flare up. Korea was forgotten.
On base the barracks were still the corrugated iron barracks of the Korean War and the base simply stagnated with the 6314th Air Base Wing in charge of not only Osan, but also Kunsan as well.This condition changed modestly beginning in 1968.
Starting in Sep 1964, Osan AB was supported by the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), 36th Air Rescue Service (ARS), Detachment 4. The unit flew the HH-43B Huskie which was dubbed "Pedro." Two HH-43B Pedros were assigned to Osan AB -- aircraft 60-251 and 60-252 as of Sep 64. Assigned under the under the Air Rescue Service (ARS) based in the Pacific Air Force (PACAF) region. The MATS, 36th ARS, Det 4 became Provisional Air Rescue Component (PARC), Det 9 on 25 July 1965 and remained with this designator until 08 Jan 1966.
The MATS changed to the Military Airlift Command (MAC) in 1969. On Dec 1969, the designator changed to MAC, PARRC, Det 4. The unit designator of MAC, 41st ARRW (Air Rescue and Recovery Wing), Det 9 which it maintained from 08 Feb 1969 - 01 Jun 70. The 47th ARRS was activated at Fuchu AB, Japan. In Jun 1970, the unit changed to the MAC, 41 ARRW, 47 ARRS, DET.9.
In Jan 71 the 47th ARRS, Det.9 was released from their requirement to maintain alert at Suwon AB. On 1 Jul 71, the 47th ARRS was deactivated. The unit was reassigned from the 47th ARRS, Det 9 on 01 Jul 71 and became the MAC, 41 ARRW, 33 ARRS, Det 1. In 1971, all HH-43Bs were modified to HH-43Fs. The unit flew 2 HH-43F helicopters. It remained under this designator until 1974 when the unit was deactivated.
Pueblo Crisis
The North Korean attack on the USS Pueblo and seizure of its crew on January 23, 1968, precipitated deployments of forces to Osan AB that included the arrival of 6,500,000 pounds of cargo and 1,000 additional personnel from late January to March 1968. The crisis underscored the importance of the installation, and led to infusion of construction funds to enhance security, improve existing facilities, and build new structures to support the significant increase of operations occurring at the base. These included construction of aircraft shelters and a new control tower.
On 22 March the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron deployed to Osan AB from McChord AFB, Washington. This marked the first time in history that Aerospace Defense Command F-106 fighter interceptors had flown to a critical overseas area, using in-flight refueling along with tactical air units.
Although the Pueblo crisis subsided with the crew's release in on December 23, 1968, fighter unit deployments occurred on a regular basis. On April 15, 1969, the North Koreans again triggered a period of tension when it shot down a U.S. Navy EC-121 flying in international airspace over the East Sea of the Korean peninsula. F-106s from the 95th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 21st Air Division (later 20th Air Division) of Dover AFB, Delaware deployed to Osan AB from 15 Nov. 1969 - 1 May 1970. Attached to Fifth Air Force ADVON, 15 Nov. 1969 - 1 May 1970.
The response by the U.S. resulted in another increase of fighter forces on the peninsula, and eventually set the stage for return of permanently-assigned fighter units to the ROK.
Vietnam War
Throughout this period, the U.S. Air Force had been deeply committed to the Vietnam War.
At Osan, the major USAF units were 6145th Air Force Advisory Group acting as a training/logistical support unit to the ROKAF; the 314th Air Division; and the 6314th Support Wing. The 611th Military Airlift Command Support Squadron (611th MASS) at Kimpo would later move to Osan.
However, as the U.S. withdrew incrementally from South Vietnam and Thailand, Pacific Air Forces repositioned its force structure which led to substantial changes for the U.S. Air Force on the ROK. On March 15, 1971, the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing was activated at Kunsan AB. At Osan AB, PACAF activated the 51st Air Base Wing to assume host-unit responsibilities at Osan AB on November. 1, 1971. Two weeks later, on Nov. 13, 1971, the 3rd TFW's 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron moved to Osan AB.
Total withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Vietnam by 1974 resulted in another important change for Osan AB. On September 30, 1974, the 51st ABW was redesignated as the 51st Composite Wing (Tactical), and assigned the 36th TFS with its F-4D/Es and 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron with its OV-10As.
1970s/1980s
With Osan AB serving as the nucleus for more than 20 U.S. Air Force activities on the peninsula, it experienced a period of facility and infrastructure changes during the 1970s. Although many of the Korea-War vintage structures remained, new dormitories were built, and a new headquarters complex completed in 1974 for the 314th AD and 51st CW(T) replaced 71 Quonset huts that were destroyed by fire three years earlier. In 1979 and 1980, construction of on-base family housing and additional community-support facilities gave the base a sign of stability.
Establishment of the Combined Forces Command in 1978 further set the future of Osan AB. The evolving role of U.S. Air Force's CFC mission in the ROK led to activation of Headquarters Seventh Air Force on September 8, 1986. It replaced the 314th AD as the U.S. Air Force component command.
Construction on Osan AB during the 1980s was dictated largely by mission changes and enhancements, and the threat from North Korea. Introduction of the F-16 in 1988 led to construction of hardened aircraft shelters, a new on-base munitions storage area, and upgrades to unaccompanied personnel housing.
Post Cold War
While the face of Osan AB slowly changed in replacing its 40-year-old Korean War-vintage structures, the base experienced a lengthy period with little or no military construction program projects. However, other funding sources allowed base officials to add community-type facilities. Arrival of the 25th Fighter Squadron and its A/OA-10s in October 1993 and a Patriot missile battery in December 1994 also necessitated some new construction. Other than these events, base officials primarily concentrated on improvements in facility protection due to the threat from North Korea's reliance on medium-range SCUD missiles. Annual runway repairs furthermore only attested to the aging of Osan AB as the base witnessed only modest changes in its structural appearance during the 1990s.
It was not until 1998 that HQ PACAF renewed emphasis on improving the base's support structure. Increasing infrastructure failures seriously detracted the 51st Fighter Wing from conducting its deterrence mission. HQ PACAF subsequently provided the base with funds under the "Fix Korea Initiative." More than $200 million was invested in upgrading or replacing the water, sewage and electrical distribution systems over the following six years. Additionally, mid- and long-range plans for the base foresaw a dramatic facelift of Osan AB that included new on-base family housing, new community-support facilities, and replacement of many industrial structures that supported the 51st FW mission.
As the ROK's military grew and matured into a formidable force by the late 1990s, political and military leaders from both countries reexamined the role of U.S. forces based on the peninsula. A major change in U.S. strategic policy coinciding with the "9-11" terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York required a "transformation" of global U.S. military commitments and basing. The military had to adapt from a fixed, in-garrison-type force to a mobile, responsive force. For its part, U.S. Forces in Korea studied how technological advances in weaponry could mitigate a reduction in personnel while the ROK military forces carried out an increasing role to protect its sovereignty. The result of this effort led to the landmark agreement known as the Land Partnership Plan in 2002 and the Security Policy Initiative in 2003 between the U.S. and the ROK governments. These decisions reflected a realignment in the roles and missions of USFK that forecast a significant reshaping and growth at Osan AB through 2011.
Amenities
Life and Rules at Osan
Most U.S. military members assigned to Osan AB serve a 1-year unaccompanied tour. If they accept KAIP they may serve longer and receive extra money (around $300 a month before taxes). If an individual is given command sponsorship, the tour may become accompanied, and they will typically live in base family housing, which is limited. If they live off base, they will receive OHA. There are school facilities for families. Some families choose to come non-command-sponsored. They may use some of the facilities on a space-available basis.
Under normal circumstances, unaccompanied members live on base in the dormitories, eat in the dining facility and receive a meal deduction. Members also receive COLA if living off base and partial cola if living in the dorms, which varies by rank, living situation, and dependents. E-7s and above may live off base, but most, including Senior NCOs and officers, live in the dorms on base. There are many dorms on base due to the high percentage of members living on base. Unless Command Sponsored, E-6s and below may not have cars. There are many taxis both on and off-base to accommodate them.
There is a peninsula-wide curfew for U.S. military members which is typically 2400-0500 Sunday night through Thursday night and 0100-0500 Friday and Saturday nights. During those times, all members must be either on base, or if off base, indoors where they will spend the night (this may be one's residence, a friend's residence, or a hotel), unless they are going to or from work to their own offbase residence and are in uniform. The 51st Security Forces Squadron apprehends those who violate curfew and the member's own squadron initiates disciplinary action.
There are many bars and clubs off base and many base members spend much leisure time at them. They employ many juicy girls. If the bars do not abide by certain standards, the Osan Military Beverage Control Board may place them off limits to military members. This is usually done when the bar is involved in certain unlawful activities, particularly prostitution. The Town Patrol, a section of the security forces squadron patrols the area right off base to ensure the safety of military members.
Effective November 2004 all military members in Korea must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol.
Osan Air Base is known for having a large number of exercises and drills for all sorts of things-accidents, combat, chemical warfare, riots, SCUD threats, mass casualties, and even weather incidents.
One thing attractive about Osan is there are no AEF cycles so you don't have to worry about going on a deplyment. Base Of Preference (follow-on assignment) is still in effect, service members should get to choose their next duty station prior to leaving the ROK.
Command Sponsorship
Command sponsorship is a big deal at Osan Air Base as well as all of USFK. Most tours to Korea are unaccompanied one year tours, meaning that if the families of those assigned want to live in Korea, there are things the military won't fund, but many they still will. The most significant is that they must arrange their own travel, and acquire a Korean visa (really not too difficult). There are many misconceptions within the military about unaccompanied tours, even at the command level, the largest is that housing won't be provided. In reality, if a dependent travels to Korea unaccompanied, the AF is still required by the JFTR to pay for housing up to the local OHA limit for the member's rank. In some countries, these restrictions make it difficult or impossible to reside with the member, but in Korea, there are a large number of non-command sponsored dependents living here. In fact, there are actually a number of benefits to choosing an unaccompanied tour over command sponsorship. Tour lengths for non-command sponsored dependents are generally one year here, and by making your tour only one year, a member qualifies fo a remote tour versus a "short" tour. This allows the member priority for the next assignment, whereas a "short" tour does not. C.S. families are also eligible to have priority access to the base medical clinic and the DODDS school. Most command sponsored service members are officers, or higher ranking enlisted personnel. Command sponsorship automatically extends the tour to two years if the sponsor elects to bring his/her family. Command Sponsored Contractors pay up to $18,000 USD per child to attend school on base, and Medical Facilities are on a cost reimbursable charge. Finally, non-C.S. dependents are not authorized to travel space-A unaccompanied. So in the end, the average couple without school-age children will often want a unaccompanied spot. The out of pocket cost is roughly just the round trip ticket, but you get to leave a year earlier, get the remote on record, and get assignment priority. Local medical care is fine, spouses may find that coveted first year of federal employment, and even those with kids many choose to home-school for a year. Seoul is close, modern, and a nice city. The culture is rich, and even if you homeschool, the lessons your kids will learn by living around a foreign culture are valuable and something that can't be taught in the States.
Facilities
All facilities accept US Dollars and some accept South Korean won, the BX and Commissary are two notable exceptions. With the exception of the US Post Office, pennies (1 cent pieces) are not circulated. All transactions are rounded up or down to the nearest nickel when giving change.
In the BX Mall |
At the Clubs (There are 2 enlisted clubs:
|
Things to Do
The notion that "there is nothing to do here" is a common complaint at Osan AB. Aside from the above mentioned on base facilities, there are numerous things to do in Korea on one's days off. There are multiple ways of getting around Korea from Osan AB. Most of the interesting things are in the vicinity of Seoul.
Taking The Subway
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is a modern and convenient public transportation system. Songtan Station is serviced by Seoul Subway Line 1, although once it is out of Seoul, it is not really a subway. Using the system is generally considered convenient. Click here for an all English page and a map. Although the system may look like a sprawling mad labyrinth, it is convenient to the Seoul traffic patterns, and most stations are accessible within one or two transfers. The Songtan station can be found by going out the main gate, making a right on the first road, then a left on the next road; after a couple of blocks there is a bridge (this bridge goes over the train tracks) - but don't go over the bridge; rather turn right and follow the streets and alleys until you see a sign saying "Songtan station", it is there on the left. If you cross a big street, you have gone too far.
Be sure you know at which station you will want to get off. Go to the ticket window and tell them the name of the station, and they will tell you the price. Most destinations will cost between 900 and 1500 won. Go through the ticket checker, place your ticket into the machine and be sure to retrieve it out the other side. The platform going towards Seoul is on the left.
It is important to know the name of the stop you want to get off, and the name of the last stop on the line as you can know which train to get. You need to hold on to your ticket until you reach your destination. If you need to transfer, simply get off the train at the transfer station and then find the way to the platform of the next train. Be sure you have the right train going in the right direction.
When you get to the last station, you will go through the same ticket checkers (some are turnstyles, some are not), insert your ticket and the machine will keep it.
Most things on the subway are written in both Korean and English. Be sure that you have a subway map on you. They are also posted above the doors on the subways. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Many Koreans are eager to help a foreigner, and it provides a good chance to practice their English. Some subway stations can be very complicated, and it is important to be sure that you are on the correct train.
Each train has multiple cars, and they are connect so one can go from one car to the next. The seats are both ends of each car are reserved for the elderly, handicapped, and pregnant women. Even if the car is full, it is important to leave those spaces for them. Women with small children frequently use them as well. The subway can be a very crowded place, especially during rush hour. Koreans are used to a tight squeeze in a way uncomfortable for many Americans. Don't be offended if people shove slightly or ask you scoot over- that is life on the subway. There are salesmen who peddle their wares on the subway, sometimes at a good deal. If you are not interested simply ignore them. They will usually stand in the middle of the car and talk loudly. Others, especially those who are deaf, will hand an item and an information card to everyone. Those who wish to purchase pull out their money, those who do not simply return the item. Many people also beg on the subway, especially blind people. Frequently they will sing, or carry a tape player with music playing. If you wish to give, just put some money (Korean currency) in their bowl, if not, just be sure to stay out of their way.
The Korean subway system is generally safe, clean, and timely, even late at night. Some schedules alter slightly at night and some lines stop running altogether, so if you are staying out late, be sure that you know the schedule and know how to get back home.
Taking the Buses and Trips
There are a few different bus systems available from the Osan AB area: The local bus system (which will not be discussed here), the express bus system (for going to Seoul, and other far places), the ITT buses, and the military buses from one base to another.
The express bus system can be a convenient way to get to Seoul, or to other destinations. The bus station can be found by going out the main gate, making a right on the first road, a left on the next road (don't cross the street), and following that road over the bridge, past the light, up the hill and down the hill, and it will be there on the corner. The building doesn't look much like a bus station, so be sure to keep an eye out for it. Most people use the bus to get to Seoul. It is more expensive than the subway, but can be faster depending on traffic and where you are going. The subway is pretty reliable, if traffic is good the bus is faster, if traffic is bad, the subway is faster. (In Korea when the traffic is bad, it is very, very bad.) The bus goes to "Nambu Bus Terminal" and from there the subway is very accessible.
ITT travel (on base) runs a bus service. Some of these are regular scheduled trips to Incheon International Airport and to Kunsan Air Base. They also sponsor day trips to places such as Soraksan mountain, and the DMZ (including the Joint Security Area).
Across the street from Turumi Lodge (billeting), adjacent to the "Arirang" Korean restaurant is a small bus terminal. Buses travel several times a day to Camp Humphreys and also to Yongsan Garrison. If your destination is near either one of these facilities, this may be the most convenient method of travel.
Places to Go
Most attractions in Seoul are easily accessible via Seoul Metropolitan Subway as Songtan Station is served by Seoul Subway Line 1 making it possible to conveniently get to other cities.
- Everland a Songtan bus goes straight there, or take the subway to the Suwon station, and an Everland bus departs from outside mall there.
- Lotte World
- Buraksan - a mountain with hiking trails at the edge of Songtan
- Seoul Grand Park, which includes Seoul Land and The Seoul Zoo. Take the subway north, transfer at Geumjung and get on line 4 to Seoul Grand Park station.
- Hwaseong, a fortress in the nearby city of Suwon. Take the subway to Suwon, outside of the mall there go to the tourist information, they will help you get on the right local bus.
- Namsan and its tower you can get on the cable car up the mountain by taking the subway to Line 4 getting off at Myeongdong. You can walk or get a cab from there. "Cable Car" is the Korean word for cable car.
- The ROK War Memorial, this is right next to Yongsan Garrison, it is also near the Samgakji station on line 4 and line 6.
- Korean Folk Village- take the subway to Suwon and get a ticket for the bus from the tourist information center outside of the mall.
- Namdaemun market- the largest and one of the oldest traditional markets in Korea. It is in Seoul near the Namdaemun gate. Take the subway to line 4 and exit at Hoehyeon station.
- Chuck Norris served here as a military policeman
Osan Air Base Photo Gallery
-
A portion of Songtan -
The outdoor pool at Osan Air Base
Osan Air Base Emblem Gallery
-
PACAF -
Fifth Air Force -
Seventh Air Force -
18th Fighter-Bomber Wing
-
58th Fighter-Bomber Wing -
51st Fighter Wing -
25th Fighter Squadron
-
36th Fighter Squadron
See also
References
Some of the text in this article was taken from pages on the Osan Air Base website, which as a work of the U.S. Government is presumed to be a public domain resource. That information was supplemented by:
- Endicott, Judy G. (1999) Active Air Force wings as of 1 October 1995; USAF active flying, space, and missile squadrons as of 1 October 1995. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. CD-ROM.
- Fletcher, Harry R. (1989) Air Force Bases Volume II, Active Air Force Bases outside the United States of America on 17 September 1982. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0912799536
- Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.
- Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0912799129.
- Rogers, Brian (2005). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. Hinkley, England: Midland Publications. ISBN 1-85780-197-0.
- [1] USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers--1908 to Present
External links
