Seventh Air Force is set to extend its "Super Squadron" test for a second phase in October 2025 after recently receiving approval by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The test examines Seventh Air Force's ability to increase combat force generation and maximize capability by consolidating aircraft and personnel in a large Super Squadron.
The extension will establish a second super squadron here, with 31 assigned F-16 Fighting Falcons. The aircraft and approximately 1,000 Airmen will transfer to Osan Air Base from Kunsan AB over the summer. The movement of personnel and fighter aircraft is a temporary shift, seeking to optimize capabilities and maximize combat effectiveness.
The CSAF approval was gained after analysis of the first phase, which began in October 2024.
"The past months of data reveal that we're on the right track and the consolidated, larger unit has shown some increases in readiness and combat capability, while also exposing some challenges," said Lt. Gen. David Iverson, Seventh Air Force commander. "With this success we're now expanding the scope, by consolidating the F-16s in Seventh Air Force at Osan, to further determine if the super squadron construct is the right path for future airpower generation here in Korea."
The initial Seventh Air Force Super Squadron test was launched to evaluate if the super squadron concept would maximize combat effectiveness when considering sortie generation, maintenance, manpower, and logistics requirements. The second phase will continue to assess those areas at a larger scale, as the increased numbers of aircraft and Airmen fully test limitations.
"In the coming weeks, AFPC will begin making assignment updates," said Lt. Col. Aaron Tissot, Seventh Air Force director of manpower, personnel and services. "Our goal is to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition for our Airmen throughout this process."
With the movement of most remaining 8th Fighter Wing's F-16s from Kunsan AB to Osan AB during the test, the 8th FW will continue to operate as a primary exercise and rotational force bed-down location for U.S. air component forces in ROK. It will maintain active flightline operations and facilities, in addition to maintaining war reserve material and munitions at multiple locations across South Korea. This mission is a critical part of Seventh Air Force's task of providing credible combat airpower in the defense of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.
"We acknowledge this is a major shift in how we operate here at Kunsan," said Col. Peter Kasarskis, 8th FW commander. "We'll meet this change with the same warfighter mindset the Wolf Pack has maintained through our history, and strengthen our ability to accept follow-on forces, defend the base and take the fight north."
Seventh Air Force remains committed to ensuring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The Super Squadron test has no impact on Seventh Air Force's ability to employ airpower to deter aggression and defend South Korea against any threat.
"This Super Squadron effort demonstrates our steadfast focus on readiness and combat capability to achieve U.S. national security objectives," Iverson said.
