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Dicemen: Strike Eagles fold into town

May 5, 2003

by 1st Lt. Tom Montgomery
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea - The 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, that arrived here March 12 to participate in various training exercises, is getting valuable experience in the local theater of operations, and improving the base infrastructure.

The Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, squadron, which flies the F-15E Strike Eagle, a highly sophisticated, multi-role and all-weather capable fighter-bomber, quickly established its training operation and set up shop.

The squadron transformed an old building, which was used by different Osan units years ago, into a fully functioning fighter squadron. "It was a hurdle, but with the help of the 51st Fighter Wing, we accomplished it enthusiastically," said Lt. Col. John Marselus, 90th EFS commander.

"We took this building from cold storage to a very functional set-up in a short amount of time."

The second hurdle was working the aircraft into the hardened aircraft shelters. The HASs are a tight fit for the mighty Strike Eagle's large wingspan. "We really had to practice operational risk management to get a system in place for the HAS parking in the Bravo Diamond," said Colonel Marselus.

Once the taxi lines were repainted, light bulbs replaced, and technique perfected, the 90th came up with a new name for the Bravo Diamond. The diamonds on Osan refer to the diamond shaped layout of the aircraft parking areas that have been approved for use by the Osan tower for aircraft taxi operations. "We call it paradise," said Colonel Marselus referring to the refurbished area with a twist on the squadron's name "Pair O' Dice."

The squadron's refurbishment of their building includes offices, flight briefing rooms, a map and planning room, a medical section and a life support section where the pilots suit up for flight with all the necessary gear.

The Dicemen also left their impression everywhere with dice painted in all areas. The dice always add up to seven exemplifying their motto "Always a winner." The lucky seven may have had something to do with the 90th never missing a sortie during RSO&I and Foal Eagle, but it was probably just superior maintenance.

The training opportunities for the deployed fighter squadron are extensive. "My goal while we are here is to use the advantages we have flying here in the AOR (area of responsibility) and sharpen our sword and increase our proficiency to the maximum extent possible," said Colonel Marselus, who insisted the entire squadron of more than 400 airmen deploy to Osan.

The aircrews have all been touting the opportunity to fly in the Korean theater as a benefit to training. The airspace, terrain, topography and urbanization are completely different than Alaska and training in the area helps maintain a sharp edge in proficiency, said Capt. Tom Palmer, a flight lead, as he prepared for a mission with another F-15E crew and his backseat weapons system operator.

During a preflight briefing, two F-15E crews prepared for a simulated attack on a command and control building. They covered everything about the flight, routinely quizzing each other to stamp important information into memory. The pace of the briefing was quick and uninterrupted by non-essential conversation.

That day's sortie called for one flight followed by a "hot pit" refueling (refueling back at Osan while the engines are still running) for a quick turn-around and another mission and more training. Hot pit refueling is not scheduled during the winter months in Alaska due to inclement weather.

The weapons system operators went over perfect detail in navigation, target location and weapons delivery procedures. At times, the technical expertise of the WSOs made it seem as if their brains were going to be plugged into the aircraft. "Once we check the bombs, we'll see the right indications and then we'll put them to sleep," said Maj. Charlie Finley, as he briefed the flight on operation of the practice AGM-130s they would simulate using.

"Our training here has been invaluable. We flew 'red-air' (aggressor aircraft) for the Operational Readiness Inspection, we do dissimilar training against the F-16 and A-10, and we do close air support with the A-10s," said Colonel Marselus.

Colonel Marselus is no stranger to the close air support mission. He previously flew A-10s and as a lieutenant was stationed with then Lt. Col. Lance Smith now Lt. Gen. Smith, 7th Air Force commander, at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, S.C.

Lt. Gen. Smith shared his combat experiences with the Dicemen at a squadron dining in this past Saturday night.

"This is the best deployment on the ROK (Republic of Korea) we have ever been to," said Colonel Marselus. "The wing has engrafted us into their family of Mustang Warriors." (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces News Service)