PACAF visits Kunsan AB, validates next

Pacific Air Forces recently deployed a joint team of representatives and subject matter experts to Kunsan Air Base, conducting the major command's first test and validation of counter-chemical warfare tactics, techniques and procedures, or TTP.These tests are part of the Next Generation Aircrew Protection program, designed to ensure aircrew have proper chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, or CBRN, protective equipment and that CBRN measures are modernized to meet emerging threats while maintaining peak human performance."Current aircrew and pilot CBRN protective equipment are effective but restrictive and burdensome, thus hindering combat effectiveness," said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Hall, PACAF aircrew flight equipment major command functional manager. "The Air Force realized this in late 2021 and early 2022 and set aside about $16 million to conduct research on aircraft, ground and air testing across various platforms to collect quantitative and qualitative data."Armed with the data, researchers refined existing TTPs to better equip aircrews, like Kunsan AB's, with the tools necessary to continue the ‘Fight Tonight’ mission.

First Lt. Moritz Wienke, 35th Fighter Squadron pilot, performs a preflight check while outfitted in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protective equipment at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Jan. 13, 2023. Pacific Air Forces sent a validation team to Kunsan AB in the first step of a PACAF-wide Next Generation Aircrew Protection program update. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Isaiah J. Soliz)

First Lt. Moritz Wienke, 35th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares to step into an F-16 Fighting Falcon while wearing an M-50 gas mask during a Next Generation Aircrew Protection step, launch and recovery test at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Jan. 13, 2023. The drill tested Kunsan AB Airmen on their ability to safely and efficiently launch and recover an aircraft in a simulated chemical-laden environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Isaiah J. Soliz)

First Lt. Moritz Wienke, 35th Fighter Squadron pilot, gets an over-cloak removed by Senior Airman Brett Haifley, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, during a Next Generation Aircrew Protection step, launch and recovery test at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Jan. 13, 2023. Testing and validating were conducted and affected several base agencies to include the 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons, 8th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management, 8th Maintenance Group and the 8th Medical Group bioenvironmental engineering flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Isaiah J. Soliz)