51st SFS Kickoff Annual BH 25-2

January 26, 2025 Hannah Sanchez 51st SFS, SF Units, USAF 0
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tylor Chism, 51st Security Forces Squadron Airman, engages simulated opposing forces during Ulchi Freedom Shield 24, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 20, 2024. During UFS 24, Defenders and augmentees tested their ability to respond to opposing forces who infiltrated the base, demonstrating defensive tactics and combat readiness. UFS24 is an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty that highlights the U.S. commitment to the alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sabrina Fuller-Judd)
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea — Beverly Herd 25-2, the 51st Fighter Wing’s annual large force exercise, begins Jan. 26 and is scheduled to run through Jan. 31.The wing will incorporate agile combat employment operations, conducting flight operations at Kunsan Air Base and utilizing the base as a forward deployed location.



“Exercises that allow us to pick up our teams and generate flying from other locations allow us to truly test our abilities and work under alternate conditions,” said U.S. Air Force Col William McKibban, 51st FW commander.

The 51st FW will mobilize personnel and F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, exercising the wing’s capabilities to rapidly disperse and operate at an alternate location. Incorporating ACE as part of the wing’s regular exercises enhances both offensive and defensive capabilities across the peninsula, amplifying the wing’s reach.

Personnel at Osan AB will also undergo comprehensive training alongside U.S. Army counterparts to defend the base against potential attacks, performing strategic and tactical level maneuvers to counter opposing forces. This training reinforces fundamental concepts of service-to-service interoperability with a focus on contingency operations and the required skillsets for base defense.

In addition, the wing will focus on assuring base readiness and sustaining the force. After incurring simulated damage to the installation, teams will be tested on assessing and repairing critical infrastructure. Practicing and improving upon these procedures under simulated conditions equips Osan AB for future challenges.

“We exercise to this extent because we are one of the busiest bases in the Air Force,” said McKibban. “We are the most forward deployed, permanently based wing and we need to ensure our Airmen are prepared to face any adversary.”

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A U.S. Air Force military working dog handler assigned to the 51st Security Forces Squadron practices first aid on an MWD mannequin during Ulchi Freedom Shield 24, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 22, 2024. Throughout the exercise, Airmen are evaluated on their warfighting capabilities, where they showcase their effectiveness and grit with combat readiness, defensive postures, and other Agile Combat Employment concepts. UFS 24 is an annual combined exercise conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty that highlights the U.S. commitment to the alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sabrina Fuller-Judd)
Defenders with the 51st Security Forces Squadron perform an exterior building sweep during Vigilant Defense 24 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. As the most forward deployed permanently based wing in the Air Force, the 51st Fighter Wing is charged with providing mission-ready Airmen to execute combat operations and receive follow-on forces. VD24 is a routine training event that tests the military capabilities across the peninsula, allowing combined and joint training at both the operational and tactical levels. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aubree Owens)