Two Korean Air jets divert to Kunsan

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Collier
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNEWS) --  Two Boeing 747 aircraft made emergency landings here Jan. 17 after Incheon International Airport's runway closed for low visibility due to fog.

The two Korean Air jets -- one laden with cargo, the other with passengers -- were greeted by 8th Fighter Wing leaders and support personnel with open arms.

"Our day-to-day mission is to defend the base, accept follow-on forces and take the fight north in support of the alliance with our South Korean allies," said Col. Jeff Lofgren, 8th FW commander. "Today, with the 38th Fighter Group Republic of Korea Air Force, we accepted two civilian aircraft that were in trouble."

The passenger airliner, with 274 people on board, diverted to Kunsan to seek immediate medical attention for a 65-year old Korean man. Emergency responders from the 8th Security Forces Squadron, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 8th Medical Group promptly stabilized the individual and then arranged for transportation to the Kunsan Medical Center in downtown Kunsan City.

"It all went pretty smooth," said Col. Joe Ortega, 8th MDG commander. "We had the ambulance respond to the scene, a Korean nurse to help translate and fire rescue responded quickly to get this individual out (of the aircraft). It all went like clockwork."

Colonel Ortega added this kind of response shows the strength of the relationship between the U.S. and South Korea.

"We didn't think twice about coming out and getting this man the right medical attention," he said. "It was well done. All that training and practice made it all work smoothly."

The passengers were also offered bottled water, provided by the 8th Services Squadron. The aircraft was refueled for the last leg of the trip to Incheon by members of the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

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