Osan Air Base
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Osan Air Base, a base of the United States Air Force, in the Republic of Korea The base is operated by the 51st Fighter Wing, but there are a number of tenant units, including the headquarters for Seventh Air Force.
There is also a large ROK Air Force operation on base.
The base was originally named Osan-Ni Air Base (with the alpha-numerical designation of K-55) when established in November 1951.
Osan Air Base is one of two major Air Force installations operated by the United States in Korea, the other being Kunsan Air Base.
Location
Osan AB takes its name from the city of Osan, which is actually 4.7 miles (8 km) to the northeast. Seoul is 40 miles (60 km) north. The base actually lies in the district of Songtan, which used to be its own city, but was incorporated into the city of Pyeongtaek some years ago. According to tradition, the base was named Osan, because of all the nearby cities it was the easiest for the Americans to pronounce.History
On 5 July, 1950 the first Korean War battle between North Korean and U.S. forces designated "Task Force Smith", was fought just a few miles north of the base.
Prior to its use as an air base, Osan's site housed an army regiment. Airplanes began to arrive at the base in 1952. Bombers from Osan provided support for United Nations ground forces during the conflict. After the conflict, Fifth Air Force advanced headquarters moved to Osan and remained until September 1954. The base was redesignated as Osan Air Base in late 1956.
The 51st Air Base Wing was relocated from Okinawa to Osan 1 November, 1971. It has undergone several names changes but remains on the base as the 51st Fighter Wing, its current designation.
Osan Air Base is also home to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Operations Command (AFOC).
Life and Rules at Osan
Most US military members assigned to Osan AB serve a 1 year unaccompanied tour. If they accept KAIP they may serve longer and receive extra money. If an individual is given command sponsorship, the tour becomes accompanied, and they will typically live in base family housing, which is limited. If they live off base they will receive OHA. There is school facilities for command sponsored families. Some families choose to come non command sponsored. They may use some of the facilites on a space available basis.
Under normal circumstances unaccompanied members live on base in the dorms, eat in the chow hall and receive a meal deduction. Members also recieve Hardship Duty Pay of $50 per month and COLA, which varies by rank, living situation, and dependants. 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 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 base curfew 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 leasure 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 secruity 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 gear, and even weather incidents.
There are two things considered attractive about serving at Osan, and in Korea in general- one is removed from the AEF cycle, whch means that there is virtually no chance of deployment while at Osan, and that many people receive their next base of choice.
Space A
Below are the places which frequently have flights to and from Osan AB- Travis AFB California
- Yokota AB Japan
- Hickam AB Hawaii
- Guam
Units
- 51st Fighter Wing
- 731st Mobility Squadron
- 33d Rescue Squadron
- 3d Battlefield Coordination Detachment
- 607th Air Intelligence Squadron
Aircraft
Present
Former
Facilities
Some of the facilities at Osan Air Base
- Dining facilities (Chow Halls)
- Ginko Tree
- Pacific House (Pac House)
- Restaurants and other establishments
- Taco Bell
- Subway
- Baskin Robbins
- Pizza Hut
- Charly's
- Captain D's
- Flying M Steak House
- Bella Panini's
- Challenger Club
- Black Clat Lounge
- Recreation Facilities
- Gym (open 24 hours)
- Mustang Pool (indoor)
- Defender Pool (outdoor- seasonal)
- Paintball Court (small)
- Golf Course
- Bowling Alley (w/restaurant)
- Move Theater
- Other facilities
External links
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