Photo By Tech. Sgt. Noah Tancer | A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lighting II with the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron,...... read more read more
The sound of F-35s roaring into the skies over the Republic of Korea this week represents not just advanced technology but a deeper bond of partnership. As part of Freedom Shield 25, an annual combined ROK-U.S. military exercise, both nations’ armed forces are working side by side to integrate fifth-generation fighter aircraft into their defense operations.
While the U.S. Air Force does not maintain a permanent F-35A Lighting II presence in Korea, a unit of U.S. F-35s has forward-deployed to Cheongju Air Base, ROK, from Kadena Air Base, Japan, to join live-fly training during FS25. The participation of the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard, adds a critical layer to the exercise as the allies rehearse their ability to receive, integrate, bed down, and execute joint operations.
“The strength of the partnership between the U.S. and ROK is not only strong but continues to evolve every day,” said Lt. Col. Brian Wagner, 134th EFS director of operations. “The security environment in this region is highly complex. The DPRK presents a formidable threat—one that the Republic of Korea is well accustomed to countering. However, when you factor in the broader geopolitical landscape, including shifting relationships and strategic competition with regional powers, it becomes even more critical for us to adapt as a combined force.”
FS25 provides a rare opportunity for U.S. and ROK pilots from across the Air Force, Navy, Marine, and Army to fly together for a prolonged period, refining tactics and strengthening interoperability between fifth and fourth generation capabilities.
“One of the biggest takeaways from integrating with their pilots is how seamlessly we can operate as a combined force across multiple mission sets,” said 1st Lt. Benjamin Meyer, an F-35 pilot assigned to the 134th EFS, speaking of ROK F-35 pilots. “Many of their pilots have flown multiple aircraft, including F-16s and F-15s, and they have deep expertise operating in this region. Flying with them gives us invaluable exposure to their tactics, techniques, and procedures, which enhances our own capabilities and strengthens our partnership.”
FS25’s focus on integrating air, ground, naval, space, and cyber elements for all-domain effects challenges both U.S. and ROK forces to simulate real-world threats and respond with agility and precision. The exercise also serves as a proving ground for Agile Combat Employment concepts, ensuring both nations can quickly position and sustain forces in a contested environment – part of which was tested with the F-35 deployment to Cheongju.
“Executing ACE in this region presents unique challenges,” Meyer said. “A key part of FS is identifying what we can accomplish together, where we may fall short, and refining our execution plan so we’re ready if the time comes.”
As the exercise progresses, the combined F-35 teams will continue to hone their readiness, ensuring they are prepared to meet any challenge to the security of the Korean Peninsula.
| Date Taken: | 03.13.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.13.2025 20:58 |
| Story ID: | 492696 |
| Location: | CHEONGJU AIR BASE, CHUNGCHEONGBUGDO [CH'UNGCH'ONGBUK-DO], KR |
| Web Views: | 767 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, USAF F-35s deploy to ROK for Freedom Shield 25, by 2nd Lt. Sharon Cardenas, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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