505th CTS participates in Korean exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Desiree Moye
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  More than 20 members from the 505th Combat Training Squadron participated in Ulchi Freedom Guardian Aug.16 through 29 at Osan Air Base, Repulic of Korea.

The annual exercise focused on close-air support operations through computer-generated scenarios.

The main objective of the exercise was to oppose and overcome potential threats through onscreen war fighting operations while working in unison with other nations.

In addition to American and South Korean forces, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom participated in the exercise.

"The great take away from this training is experiencing different nuances of joint services computer-driven modules," said Steven Walsh 505th CTS air refueling contractor.

Training exercises like UFG are carried out in respect to the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic Of Korea and United States, which was signed Oct. 1, 1953.

According to the proclamation, the parties to the treaty reaffirmed their desires to live in peace with all peoples and all governments, and desired to strengthen peace in the Pacific region.

The 505th CTS consists of fewer than 150 members. More than half are retired U.S. Air Force members who flew, controlled, or maintained the aircraft they now "fly" on computer screens.

Retired Brig. Gen. Barry Barksdale, UFG director, praised the 505th CTS following the exercise.

"Without your experience and expertise, this exercise could not have run smoothly," he said.

So far, the 505th CTS has been involved in more than 20 exercises, according to Robert Teasdale, 505th CTS air refueling contractor.

"With two dozen exercises completed and more [scheduled] in the future, we will continue to provide the view from 60,000 feet," he said.