Seventh Air Force launched a peninsula-wide exercise Jan. 23 with a combination of forces from Osan, Kunsan and South Korea.

This exercise was the largest in South Korea in recent history.

“Seventh Air Force Headquarters, the 51st Fighter Wing and the 8th Fighter Wing have completely integrated into realistic exercise scenarios,” said Lt. Gen. Garry Trexler, 7th AF commander. “It’s imperative we exercise together, whether it’s with the Peninsula Combat Employment Readiness Exercises or those on a smaller scale because we will all bring the fight together.”

The close coordination between the “Wolf Pack” and “Mustang Stampede” is essential for the defense of the South Korean peninsula, said Col. Brian Bishop, 8th FW commander.

“Not only do our two units train together on a regular basis, but PENCEREs allow us to continue that training in a realistic wartime scenario,” Colonel Bishop said. “This includes joint training with Osan’s A-10 Thunderbolt IIs as well as our Airmen joint tactical-air controllers working with the Army.”

Maj. Stephen Anderson, 51st FW chief of combat assessments, said this PENCERE picks up where the last one left off in November.

“This exercise will represent the second half of the ball game. Although many portions of the wing will see little to no difference in operations, organizations concerned with logistical and medical matters, for instance, could experience significant challenges,” Major Anderson said.

The focal point for this PENCERE is to increase cooperation and coordination among the South Korea Air Operations Center, Combined Air Staff, the 8th and 51st FWs and the Republic of Korea Air Force flying wings, said Lt. Col. Michael Laramee, 607th Air Operations Group, operations support division director.

“This is a unique opportunity for all of the forces the commander of air component command would lead in wartime to work together,” Colonel Laramee said.

Another significant PENCERE first is participation by Airmen from the 36th Airlift Squadron from Yokota Air Base, Japan, and the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan. The two squadrons are supporting Osan's combat mission by performing air-evacuation sorties in an effort to provide realistic training for 51st FW medics.

“The objective of the PENCERE is to prepare for combat operations, to run through procedures and test our processes,” said Brig. Gen. Joseph Reynes, 51st FW commander. “In order to maintain our focus, we need to take a disciplined approach to be effective and more efficient. It's about professional training in a different and unique environment.”

Professional training calls for a combined effort between both countries. This will be the third PENCERE in which the South Korean air force will play a major role.

“We recognized a requirement to improve the training and interaction between the South Korean air force and U.S. flyers,” Major Anderson said. “We are close partners in the defense of South Korea, and we train as we fight -- together.”