Helicopters from the 33rd Rescue Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, flew to Osan AB, Korea, for intense combat rescue training with the 25th Fighter Squadron’s A-10s. Set to deploy together soon, the combat search and rescue task force combines “training requirements for high-end mission capabilities as well as provides spin-up training for our unit’s upcoming deployment,” said Lt. Col. Peter Ortiz, 33rd RQS commander. Task force A-10s will fly top-cover for the helicopters during the rescue training as they simulate a high-threat environment. Their mission is to “get the helicopter to the guy on the ground, otherwise there is no mission,” said Capt. Joel Bier, 25th FW project officer. “We’re there primarily to provide cover support and protect them from surface-to-air threats or enemy ground movements in the vicinity,” he added. The 10-day exercise, dubbed Pacific Thunder, began Monday and will continue through Nov. 9. (Kadena report by TSgt. Angelique Bilog)
Space Force Adds Unit Tying Acquisition to Test and Training
Sept. 18, 2025
The Space Force has introduced a host of new and revamped deltas in recent months to tighten the ties between acquisition and operations. Now, a new unit is adding training to the mix.
