Day 6

door, Ryan "Cosmo" Cowly

Met dank aan Frugals world, en Cosmo.

It's been six days now since South Korea declared war on the north. I haven't spent much time in my quarters, as we've been flying no less then two sorties a day. At Osan, we share the air base with a squadron of A-10's, and a single runway 18/27.

There's been lots of fighting, and large advancements made daily. Those advancements however have not been in our favor. The second day of battle, the allies lost Seoul to DRPK ground forces. Osan is just 21 miles South by Southeast of Seoul. The FLOT has been slowly creeping Southward, I would approximate by the sound of shelling at night, that it's a mere 9 miles to the North us. I don't need to tell you how frightening it is, that at any moment we may all scramble to be evacuated, or worse, captured. Not a mission goes by where I don't wonder if I'll be able to land at home plate. Despite all this, moral is surprisingly high, and men are anxious to fly.

Until we recently achieved air superiority, by a slim, slim margin, several bases including Seoul, Chungju, Kunsan and Osan have been seeing relentless attacks by TU-16's and IL-28's. They don't necessarily target our barracks, as their main objective is to destroy our runway, grounding our squadron of F-16's. The engineers at Osan have completely rebuilt our runway twice! Seoul and Kunsan have seen much worse. Seoul was only in operation for a day and a half before being bombed, closed, then captured. While Kunsan is in no threat of capture, they have seen heavy bombing, and struggle to get off 4 or 5 sorties a day before being bombed again. It's cyclical. They scramble a few flights, get bombed, close for runway repairs usually lasting just short of 24 hours, open the runway, then start all over again. We've scrambled on at least 5 occasions to intercept incoming TU-16's or IL-28's that cross the FLOT on a southward heading, appearing to have intent to target an air base. Because of this, command has scheduled around the clock BARCAP's over Seoul and all points East, patrolling the FLOT and intercepting bombers and attack aircraft. We recently attained a slim margin of air superiority about a day and a half ago. This meant we could get back to ground pounding and plundering, whereas before we were not able to stray further from base then we could return quickly to defend it, dispatching a threatening flight of Tupolev's.

US and ROK forces have managed to curtail activity at all but a handful of DRPK air bases. Of those air bases, three were operating air to ground operations against Allied airfields. Hwangju, located 123 miles North West of us, is operating a squadron of IL-28's at 100%. These aircraft have been observed on several occasions, targeting Allied airfields. They have become a priority target for our squadron. I've personally flown two strikes against the installation and on both occasions, have narrowly escaped with a plane still strapped under me. Those two strikes were fruitless. It's not that we missed the target's, rather, we just didn't have the appropriate munitions to do the job. Between the two trips, our flight has dropped numerous Mk-84's, Mk-82's, AGM-88's, and various cluster munitions. We've thinned out their air defense assets a bit, but never shut down the runway as intended. We needed Durandal's, desperately. The BLU-107 is a specially designed bomb that upon release, deploys a drag chute which turns the nose of the bomb earthward, at which time a rocket ignites, driving the bomb straight down, through and under the runway. The bomb then detonates, buckling the runway surface, making it much more difficult and timely for crews to repair.

We have been out of BLU-107's for several days. That was until late this afternoon. A much needed supply convoy had arrived. Word spread quickly. Me and the boys were excited to finally have what we needed to get the job done.

At 1800, two hours before take-off, my flight and I assembled in the TOC to begin mission planning. Our objective: severely degrade Hwangju's ability to launch sorties against Allied powers. We would be Weasel1, a four ship.

We didn't feel it necessary to fly with a SEAD Escort as we had already diminished enemy ADA in the area. Having flown the route 2 time's already, we were comfortable with both our ingress and egress, and should not have to over-fly enemy strong points. We'll take off on runway 27 and maintain runway heading, flying West until we're a safe distance over Korea Bay, then turn Northward. We'll approach Hwangju through an opening we punched through previously on the Southeast side of the airfield. Ingress at >1,500' AGL to avoid long range radar, and buy us as much surprise as possible. After a low level dive-toss we'll immediately turn to the North East and egress safely. We DO NOT want to overfly the airfield, as there are still several ZU-23's on site.

The planning phase is complete. Its 1900 hrs and we roll at 2025 hrs. We now sit around a large TV screen and watch all the radar returns, and ground activity provided by AWACS, and other JSTARS aircraft in country. We carefully watch Hwangju and enemy air traffic both around the base, and along our ingress and egress routes. We watch the air base intently for IL-28's departing the air base. We want to insure this is an active base we're striking. Hwangju launches flight after flight of MiG-21's. It's nearing 2025 hrs and we have yet to observe a single IL-28 depart. Intel reports there are at least 11 stationed at the air base. Where are they? What precious few Durandal's we have, we don't want to waste. It's nearing push time, and we have to make the call to proceed or knock it off.

The call comes from command, we're standing down. An undeniable wave of disappointment engulfs the TOC, where men start picking up their flight bags, putting stuff away, and stand to walk out the door. Another message comes across the wire from command, stopping many crewman in the doorway. An alternate air base is targeted, one actively launching IL-28's against Allied airfields.

Kuksan is to the East, and a little further North than Hwangju. Men quickly gather together again, and re-direct their concentration on the mission planning screen. Crew chief's scramble to pull all the mission computers out of our F-16's for reprogramming. Our ordinance load out will remain the same. Take-off has been pushed back one hour to 2125. Again we'll be flying a lone four ship. Kuksan has been attacked several times in the preceding days and has minimal air defense. I'll fly lead as Weasel11 carrying 12 BLU-107's on stations 3, 4, 5, 6, AIM-9M's on 2 & 7 and AIM-120's on 1 & 8. Weasel12 and 13 will be flying SEAD support with AGM-88's on 3 & 6, and CBU-97's on the inside. Weasel14 will fly cleanup with CBU-97's all around. On this mission we will all forgo a centerline jammer in favor of the 300 gallon fuel tank, for this 318 mile leap of faith. We'll form at WPT 2 climb to Angel's 20 to safely get over occupied Seoul, then again descend to >1,500' AGL for a rapid ingress of 500 kts post FLOT. We'll program Hwangju as an alternate target of opportunity, or incase something goes wrong over Kuksan which doesn't allow us to proceed with our attack. A few other details are mopped up, and we are dismissed.

Assembled now at the flight line, I complete my aircraft preflight, and climb into the jet. My crew chief is right behind me and, once I'm seated, connects my shoulder harness. I take a moment and clear my head. Flying an F-16 can be very complex. Meeting the challenge requires each pilot to be fully prepared both mentally and physically. Rushing to get things done causes mistakes.

Once everything is in place, I check the clock. Almost time to start engines. My crew chief is standing by on the radio headset, and the fireguard is at his post by the extinguisher. I finish my checklist items, and standby for engine start. I stare at the clock, counting down the last few seconds. At exactly 2120 I switch on the jet fuel starter. The big fan engine begins to wind up. As the RPM increases, I place the throttle in the idle position, which adds fuel to the ignitors. The powerful engine lights off. The jet vibrates as the RPM increases to idle speed in unison with the other Vipers on the ramp. I lock my canopy, reach up, and hold my oxygen mask against my mouth.

"Stand by for EPU check" I tell my crew chief.
"Roger, sir. You're clear in back."

I run my engine up to 80 percent RPM and check my emergency power unit. As soon as that's complete, I switch my pri/sec switch to Secondary, which closes down my engine nozzle. I push the throttle quickly to military power, and, as soon as the RPM reaches 80 percent, I snap it back to idle. The engine checks good, and I switch back to Primary. I complete my flight control and brake checks. I scan my cockpit once more to make sure every switch is in the right position.

Switching my radio to tower, I receive clearance to begin taxi to the arming area, where we wait for final inspection from the arming crews. They remove the pins from our missiles and check each aircraft for leaks and loose panels. This is the last chance for maintenance to correct any problem. I sit patiently at the end of the line while they perform their inspections. When they finish with my jet, the arming crew supervisor gives me a salute and a final thumbs up. It's a relief.

I begin to lead our flight onto the runway. I line up 1,000 feet down the runway on the left side. Thirty seconds prior to takeoff, we run our engines up. I check my panel and everything checks good. With an exaggerated head nod to my wing man, I release pressure against the rudder pedals and push the throttle up to full mil power, then smoothly select afterburner. Once it ignites, I accelerate rapidly. As my airspeed increases, I rotate and quickly become airborne then raise my gear.

I begin our rapid 15 degree climb so that we can fly over Seoul at a safe altitude. Diverting my attention to the radar I begin identifying contacts. Our immediate airspace is crowded. More so than any other night. It appears as though the DRPK intends to fully take advantage of darkness, just as we do. I level my radar on two high aspect targets. A quick call and AWACS reveals two MiG-21's on a near head on course. Adjusting my scan volume finds that there are no friendly aircraft engaged with the two Fishbed's. The bandits are closing fast, and our F-16's heavily burdened with valuable air to ground ordinance, we're in no position to engage even though we out number them. We decide to turn tail and buy some separation, allowing time for Allied aircraft to intercept. A climbing turn southward and we level at Angel's 25. I glance over my shoulder to clear our six, and see Smoke11 and 12 have engaged our threat. We decide to once again turn North and at full mil power we sneak past the now pre-occupied Fish.

Almost past Seoul now we detect two more MiG-21's at Angel's 20 passing from the East to West. Hoping to sneak past these guys as well, I quickly call to snooze radar. I follow-up with a 180 degree roll and pull. We make for the weeds quick with the intent of hiding amongst the ground clutter on the near obsolete MiG-21's radar. It works, as I can see through the top of my canopy, the specs which were once threats proceeding, course unchanged.

Now flying nap of the earth at 500 kts I take a couple of deep breaths. Our mission has been jeopardized twice in a matter of minutes.

We proceed North on our original route. The Korean terrain, as you get further Northeast, transforms from flat open lands into rolling hills, valleys, and mountains. We duck and weave following the terrain closely in an effort to conceal ourselves from enemy radar. The larger mountains we fly around as opposed to over so as not to climb into airspace covered by enemy search radar. This same tactic however leaves us disadvantaged. Our air to ground radar, obviously is unable to see through or over upward sloping terrain, possibly masking enemy positions on the other side.

We had exhausted our external fuel tanks and jettisoned them before sneaking up another slope as we ingress to our IP approximately 16 miles to the North East of Kuksan. I crested the small hill first that surrounded one side of a small valley. The RWR screamed and lit AAA radar both at 10, and 2 o'clock. A column of S-60's on either side of me in an open valley with the next ridge two miles ahead. I pushed up the heat to expedite my arrival behind the safety of the next ridge.

I slide down the backside of the next ridge safely, without a shot fired. Before I can call to the rest of my trailing flight to take evasive maneuvers, I glance over my right shoulder and see that the column of S-60's has already begun to put up a layer of thick flack. Weasel13 and 14 are jinking in the vertical plane. Unfortunately for them, our wedge formation found themselves right on top of the lumbering column of artillery. I surprised them and was able to sneak by safely, but by the time our second element passed, they were ready.

A trail of smoke grew up from the ground and stretched skyward and SA-7 narrowly miss's Weasel14. Almost as soon as all the action started, it ended as Weasel13 and 14 ducked behind the safety of the next ridge. A quick head count and a sigh of relief as we all made it across the valley un-scathed.

We had taken special measures to avoid all contacts on ingress during mission planning, but this near fatal incident reminds me to never let my guard down.

Reaching the Ingress Point, we pulled a 4 G turn to the South West which puts us on the Kuksan runway heading, a perfect attack profile. Right off the end of the runway is a large mountain that we will pop up behind and surprise everyone with our attack. We will also use the mountain for cover.

15 miles now from Kuksan I switch to air to ground mode, and call up the CCIP pipper which in a moment I'll plant down the centerline of the runway. I select the BLU-107's, set the ripple for half of my stock, 6 bombs, and a spread of 175' for maximum coverage of the runway. 10 miles and I can see the last mountain which Kuksan hides behind. I call for Weasel12 and 13 to attack the targets. They pop up to lure enemy radar, and no sooner loose all 4 HARM missiles. They rapidly streak over the top of my canopy. I watch them fall to earth and strike the airfield right as I pop up behind the mountain, which begins my bombing run. I find myself a few degrees to the left of the runway, and with a few quick pulls correct my ingress direction, just in time to fly over the numbers. I stick the CCIP pipper just this side of mid runway and squeeze. I hear the faint plunk of the bombs unleashing, and when I hear them no longer, I quickly slice to the North to get away from the runway, and minimize my exposure. Looking behind me, the Durandal's have all struck true, and large plumes of smoke and falling concrete riddle the base.

The rest of my element completes their attack and I call for them to rejoin, and take another head count. We regroup behind the safety of the large mountain, everyone intact. Evaluating our situation we decide to make an attack on our secondary, Hwangju, 47 miles to the West. With plenty of fuel, 6 Durandal's still hanging under my wing, and a clear picture from AWACS we turn East.

Continuing to fly NOE towards Hwangju becomes easier and less risky, as the terrain transforms from rolling hills and mountains, to smooth flat plains.

Approaching Hwangju at 15 miles I again return to ground attack mode, and when within range call for our flight to attack. Weasel13 and 14 pull out front to clear my path as much as possible. I'm only 15-20 seconds behind them and at the last possible moment I pull hard to align my nose with the runway. Once again I plant the pipper in the middle of the runway and with a few faint plunks, Hwangju is out of business. We egress to the Northeast in an area clear of threats and begin home.

Knowing that this mission is not going to finish un-contested, we're on guard when two SU-27's approach from our 4 o'clock. AWAC's calculates the Flanker's are 20 miles behind us. This constitutes a major threat to our four ship. As we jettison our ejector racks, flip to CAT I for air combat, and turn towards the 27's, I bring up the RWS radar mode and select one of my 120's. Locking up the lead I call for my element to attack. As they proceed, I lock the second ship, and almost immediately send an AMRAAM on it's way. A moment later I see my element has dispatched the now defunct SU-27 which is now a falling, fiery, clump of scrap metal. No pilot was observed ejecting. A moment later, as I maneuver to track the second SU-27's my AIM-120 impacts with a brilliant flash and the smoking Flanker turns, falling earthward as the pilot escapes and deploys his chute.

Our flight re-assembles and we continue our egress Southward. We continue a NOE profile until about 10 miles North of the FLOT when we proceed to Angel's 25 to make it safely over. No other hostile contact is made, and we are welcomed back into friendly territory and perform a standard recovery at Osan.

Debrief back in the TOC reveals we indeed engaged and dispatched an enemy flight of two SU-27's. Elated for the moment, we next learned our primary objective was not met with as much success as it appeared from our perspective. Kuksan was not rendered innoperational, rather we diminished it's operational status by 50%. Not a complete failure, however that's not what we set off to do. Hwangju on the other hand was completely shut down by our surprise attack.

We find satisfaction in having shut down Hwangju, but Kuksan will have to be re-targeted another day. Thanks to our effort however, it will be much easier to attack once again. I also like to think that having slown down their ability to launch sorties, we have bought time for the allies to repair and rebuild our airfields so that they may fly once again, and we may resolve the conflict over Korea.

Met dank aan Frugals world, en Cosmo.